Can a gastroscopy detect Helicobacter pylori?

Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 26, 2024
00:00
00:00

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacterium that can easily infect and cause chronic gastritis, and it even has the potential to lead to cancer. Therefore, patients with Helicobacter pylori generally require formal treatment. In terms of diagnostics, Helicobacter pylori can be detected through a gastroscopy, but the bacteria cannot be detected by gastroscopy alone; the test for Helicobacter pylori is performed under the scope. However, the current main method for testing Helicobacter pylori is through a breath test, since undergoing a gastroscopy just to test for the bacteria can be quite uncomfortable. Moreover, the accuracy of the breath test is relatively high, so currently, Helicobacter pylori is generally detected via breath testing rather than gastroscopy.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
48sec home-news-image

Does superficial gastritis infected with Helicobacter pylori need treatment?

Superficial gastritis, after infection with Helicobacter pylori, requires treatment. If not actively symptomatic treated, the condition can worsen and frequently relapse, increasing the risk of malignancy. For superficial gastritis with Helicobacter pylori, initial treatment can involve natural therapies to control and eradicate Helicobacter pylori completely. Subsequently, based on individual clinical symptoms, treatment should focus on chronic superficial gastritis. Regular maintenance primarily involves being cautious with diet, avoiding spicy foods, and refraining from consuming food that is too cold, too sweet, too hard, or too acidic, as well as overly stimulating foods.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
49sec home-news-image

Is the treatment process for Helicobacter pylori uncomfortable?

The treatment process for Helicobacter pylori infection is not uncomfortable, primarily involving oral medication. Treatment options include a combination of two antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, furazolidone, metronidazole, etc., alongside a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole, pantoprazole, or lansoprazole, and the addition of bismuth citrate. This forms a quadruple therapy administered over two weeks to eradicate the infection. During treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection, it is advised to consume a diet rich in vitamins, incorporating fresh vegetables and fruits. It is important to eat regularly, avoid overeating or consuming oily, spicy, and irritating foods. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
1min 5sec home-news-image

What should I do if I have a Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori is closely related to the occurrence of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer, but not everyone infected with Helicobacter pylori will develop chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers. Infections can be diagnosed with a breath test, where values more than twice the normal level, accompanied by symptoms of gastritis, gastric ulcers, stomach distension, stomach pain, and acid reflux, should be considered for antibacterial and stomach-protective treatment. Generally, with standard treatment, 90% of Helicobacter pylori can be eradicated within one to two weeks. However, reinfection is common as it can be found in food and utensils and transmitted through saliva. It is generally advised that children under 14 and individuals with low levels of Helicobacter pylori without obvious stomach inflammation symptoms do not require immediate treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 3sec home-news-image

Is erosive gastritis related to Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori infection has been confirmed as the primary cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Erosive chronic gastritis is a type of chronic gastritis, thus there is a certain relationship between erosive gastritis and Helicobacter pylori, but not all chronic gastritis is caused by Helicobacter pylori; some are, but others are not. Therefore, if erosive gastritis occurs, it is necessary to conduct a carbon-14 breath test to determine whether there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori. If the Helicobacter pylori infection is positive, a 14-day anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment should be administered. The treatment includes a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent. After treatment, most of the Helicobacter pylori will convert from positive to negative.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Li Wei
Gastroenterology
50sec home-news-image

Does everyone have Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori is not present in everyone; the infection rate among the general population can reach about 60%. However, some people who are infected with Helicobacter pylori do not necessarily experience symptoms such as acid reflux, bloating, stomach pain, or bad breath. Some people develop symptoms after being infected with Helicobacter pylori, and subsequently, when they visit a hospital for examination, the infection with this bacterium can be detected. Additionally, there are individuals who exhibit such symptoms but are not infected with Helicobacter pylori. In summary, not everyone is infected with Helicobacter pylori, and not everyone who is infected shows symptoms.