The H. pylori breath test is a simple and safe method used to detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria. It involves exhaling into a balloon-like bag after consuming a special substance. This test helps diagnose H. pylori infection and assess the effectiveness of treatment in eliminating the bacteria. H. pylori infection is a significant contributor to peptic ulcer disease and can also elevate the risk of gastritis and stomach cancer.
Source: During the test, you will be asked to exhale into a balloon-‐like bag.
About H. Pylori Breath Test
The H. pylori breath test is a simple and safe way to:
- Check if you have H. pylori bacteria in your stomach.
- Find out if you currently have an H. pylori infection.
- See if treatment has successfully gotten rid of the infection.
It's also called the urea breath test.
What is H. pylori?
- pylori, short for Helicobacter pylori, is a type of bacteria that infects the lining of your stomach or the first part of your small intestine, called the duodenum.
This bacteria can lead to various health issues, including:
- Gastritis: An inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining.
- Peptic ulcer disease: Ulcers in either the duodenum or the stomach.
- Stomach (gastric) cancer.
- pylori is a significant cause of peptic ulcers because it weakens the protective mucus layer in the stomach, making it more susceptible to damage from stomach acids. More information about the H.pylori Test.
When Should I Have an H. pylori Breath Test?
You should consider getting an H. pylori breath test if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Gnawing or burning pain in your middle or upper stomach, particularly between meals or at night.
- Pain that improves or worsens after eating something or taking an antacid.
- Bloating or feeling excessively full after meals.
- Heartburn or acid reflux.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Unexplained weight loss.
If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to see your healthcare provider for further evaluation and to discuss whether an H. pylori breath test is appropriate for you.
Source: The first step of an H. pylori test involves providing a control sample.
Four Steps Before The Procedure
Here are the steps you need to follow before the procedure:
1. Medications
- Stop taking antibiotics or Pepto-Bismol® (oral bismuth subsalicylate) four weeks before the test.
- Avoid over-the-counter or prescription proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), pantoprazole (Protonix®), rabeprazole (AcipHex®), or esomeprazole (Nexium®), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant®) for two weeks before the test.
Don't stop taking any other medication without consulting your healthcare provider first.
2. Food and drinks
Do not eat or drink anything, including water, one hour before the test.
3. On The Day of The Procedure
Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure and answer any questions you have. It usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
4. After The Procedure
- Your breath samples will be sent to the laboratory for testing.
- You can resume your normal activities with no restrictions.
Test Results
- Your healthcare provider will contact you once your laboratory test results are available.
- If your test indicates an H. pylori infection, you will be treated with antibiotics.
- A month after antibiotic treatment, your provider may request another breath test to confirm the infection has been cured.
- If you have negative test results but still experience symptoms, your provider may order further tests to identify the cause.
