Does the breath test for Helicobacter pylori require fasting?

Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

Updated on November 15, 2024

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Currently, the detection of Helicobacter pylori is highly accurate and specific, and a rapid, simple, and effective method is the Carbon-14 breath test.

The Carbon-14 breath test requires no eating within six hours, so it is best to take it on an empty stomach. Therefore, it is preferable to test for Helicobacter pylori on an empty stomach. Currently, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has exceeded 50%. Helicobacter pylori is the principal cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, or gastric cancer. Therefore, if symptoms of the digestive system occur, such as belching, acid reflux, upper abdominal pain, nausea, and poor appetite, it is advisable to conduct a test for Helicobacter pylori, specifically the Carbon-14 breath test, to confirm the infection of Helicobacter pylori.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

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Which department checks for Helicobacter pylori?

Current research suggests that Helicobacter pylori infection is the primary cause of various gastric diseases. It is best to visit the gastroenterology department of a hospital to check for Helicobacter pylori, where a Carbon-14 breath test can be conducted to determine the amount of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach. If there is a high quantity of bacteria, or if there are gastrointestinal diseases present, one might consider a treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. This generally involves the use of two types of antibiotics along with a gastric mucosal protector or a medication that inhibits stomach acid secretion. It is also important to regularly follow up, maintain a regular diet, and avoid spicy and irritating foods.

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Gastroenterology

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What should I do if Helicobacter pylori infection is not cured after two treatments?

If Helicobacter pylori infection has not been cured after two treatments, it is necessary to consider the possibility of bacterial resistance or that the treatment was not standardized. It is advisable to visit the gastroenterology department of a hospital. Based on the doctor's experience, it may be necessary to adjust the medication plan. The choice of specific medications and their dosage should be determined according to the doctor's prescription. During the treatment period, one should eat easily digestible food and avoid spicy and irritating foods, as well as avoid drinking alcohol, strong tea, coffee, etc. It is also important to eat slowly and avoid overeating or drinking excessively.

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Written by Huang Gang

Gastroenterology

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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.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

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How to treat Helicobacter pylori positive?

The infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has already exceeded 50%, and Helicobacter pylori has been confirmed as the main cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer. If Helicobacter pylori tests positive and is accompanied by symptoms or diseases of the digestive system, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is necessary. The medication involves a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with a treatment period of 14 days. After the 14-day treatment, the medication should be discontinued for a month before rechecking with a carbon-14 breath test to confirm whether Helicobacter pylori has turned negative. If it has turned negative, it indicates that the eradication treatment of Helicobacter pylori is successful. After infection with Helicobacter pylori, a diet easy to digest is recommended.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

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Is Helicobacter pylori three pluses serious?

Three pluses for Helicobacter pylori indicate that there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori, and the level of infection is not low. Helicobacter pylori is the main cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even stomach cancer. If a person tests positive for Helicobacter pylori infection, and has symptoms or diseases related to the digestive system, or has a family history of stomach cancer, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is necessary. The treatment involves a proton pump inhibitor plus two types of antibiotics, along with a bismuth agent, for a total of 14 days. After stopping the medication for one month, a carbon-14 breath test should be re-conducted. If the result turns negative, it means that the eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori was successful. If it does not turn negative, remedial treatment is required.