Can Helicobacter pylori tests be done during the pregnancy preparation stage?

Written by Qu Chun Yao

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on January 18, 2025

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During the preconception stage, it is possible to test for Helicobacter pylori, but if testing is to be conducted, breath tests should be avoided. This is because breath tests use carbon-14 or carbon-13, which are radioactive, making them unsuitable for women planning pregnancy.

At this time, it is also important to weigh the pros and cons. If there are chronic gastric or duodenal ulcers, and the symptoms are quite apparent, it is necessary to conduct tests. It is advisable to postpone pregnancy, address the gastrointestinal diseases first, and then proceed with pregnancy. If there are gastric or duodenal diseases at such time, pregnancy could possibly exacerbate the condition.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 1sec

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Does the breath test for Helicobacter pylori require fasting?

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 Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 6sec

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Does a positive Helicobacter pylori require treatment?

Currently, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has exceeded 50%. If there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori and it is accompanied by symptoms or diseases of the digestive system, or if the patient has a family history of gastric cancer, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is needed. This is because Helicobacter pylori has been proven to be the main cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer. The method of eradication involves a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with treatment lasting for 14 days. After the 14-day treatment period, medications are stopped for a month. One month later, a carbon-14 breath test is performed to confirm whether Helicobacter pylori has been converted to negative. If it has converted to negative, it means that the eradication treatment was successful.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 11sec

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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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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

45sec

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Can I eat chocolate while treating Helicobacter pylori?

During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, it is permissible to eat chocolate, but it is also advisable not to consume too much chocolate. During the treatment period, one should avoid spicy and irritating foods, abstain from alcohol, and avoid drinking strong tea, coffee, etc. It is beneficial to eat easily digestible foods and fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, such as apples, bananas, and kiwis. Since chocolate is not considered a spicy and irritating food, it is permissible to eat chocolate during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, during this period, it is also important to avoid overeating and to chew food slowly and thoroughly.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

56sec

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What are the early symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori can cause chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even stomach cancer. Infection with Helicobacter pylori may result in symptoms such as upper abdominal distension and pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, bad breath, and indigestion. A carbon-14 breath test can confirm a Helicobacter pylori infection. Currently, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in our country has exceeded 50%. If an infection is present and symptoms or diseases of the digestive system occur, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is necessary. The treatment regimen consists of a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, adjusted to a 14-day course.