Can a gastroscopy detect Helicobacter pylori?

Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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The examination with a gastroscope mainly focuses on checking for any damage to the mucous membranes of the stomach and esophagus. It can detect gastritis, gastric ulcers, or stomach cancer. For some patients who might have a tendency toward cancerous changes, a pathological examination can be conducted. However, testing for Helicobacter pylori with a gastroscope requires a separate lab test. Therefore, routine gastroscopic examinations generally do not include testing for Helicobacter pylori. If testing for Helicobacter pylori is needed, it is a separate examination item. Nowadays, since undergoing a gastroscopy can be quite uncomfortable and cause symptoms like nausea for some people, testing for Helicobacter pylori is accurately conducted using a breath test.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
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Can Helicobacter pylori cure itself?

Can Helicobacter pylori be self-healing? Helicobacter pylori is very stubborn; once infected, adults who do not undergo formal therapeutic interventions will be afflicted for life, meaning the cure rate is close to zero. Children, whose immune functions are not yet fully developed, may experience multiple exposures on the gastric mucosa and short-term colonization before Helicobacter pylori settles permanently, which could potentially lead to either colonization or loss of the bacteria. White populations have stronger immune resistance than colored populations. Tracking reports indicate that 50% of white children may lose the infection after contracting it, while only 4% of black children might. Generally, the infection rate is higher than the self-healing rate, indicating that Helicobacter pylori infections in adults are generally not self-resolving.

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Written by Si Li Li
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Can Helicobacter pylori infection heal itself?

Helicobacter pylori infection generally does not heal on its own. Currently, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has exceeded 50%, which is very high. After being infected with Helicobacter pylori, most patients do not show any symptoms. However, some patients may develop chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and even stomach cancer due to Helicobacter pylori infection, presenting symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. These patients need to undergo gastroscopy to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is required, involving a proton pump inhibitor plus two antibiotics, along with a bismuth agent, totaling 14 days of treatment. If eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is not conducted, Helicobacter pylori will not heal on its own.

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Can you eat sweets during the treatment for Helicobacter pylori?

During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, it is permissible to eat sweets. During this period, it is necessary to avoid spicy and irritating foods, as well as avoid drinking strong alcohol, strong tea, coffee, and so on. It is recommended to consume more fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, as well as nutritious and light foods. Smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided, and meals should be regular and in measured quantities. Since sweet foods are not considered spicy or irritating, they can be consumed during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori. After the treatment of a Helicobacter pylori infection, it is necessary to wait one month after stopping the medication before a follow-up examination to confirm whether the bacteria have been completely eradicated.

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How many times a year should Helicobacter pylori be tested?

If Helicobacter pylori tests positive, then it is necessary to undergo standardized eradication treatment. A re-examination is needed one month after cessation of the eradication treatment to confirm whether the eradication was successful or the treatment failed. If the patient tests negative for Helicobacter pylori, then there is no need for repeated testing. Therefore, the frequency of testing for Helicobacter pylori within a year needs to be analyzed based on specific circumstances, using different testing methods and frequencies according to different situations. Patients infected with Helicobacter pylori should eat light, easily digestible foods, avoid overeating, and avoid spicy and irritating foods.

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Can gastroscopy detect Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacterium, hence it is invisible to the naked eye. However, during a gastroscopy, the gastroenterologist can infer whether a patient is infected with Helicobacter pylori by observing the mucosal appearance under the endoscope. For example, signs such as the disappearance of damages in the tiny veins, nodular changes resembling chicken skin, scattered congested spots, and others. To confirm the presence of a Helicobacter pylori infection, further tests are required. For instance, during a gastroscopy, a rapid urease test can be conducted where a tissue sample from the stomach is tested - this method is quite convenient. Alternatively, a tissue sample can be sent for pathological examination, which might take longer.