What happens during the test?
Test results:
The breath test for Helicobacter pylori is a simple and safe screening test used to detect infection by this bacterium.
What is the H. pylori breath test?
Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori) is a bacterium that can infect the stomach or the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). If left untreated, H. pylori can cause gastritis (inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining) and duodenal or gastric ulcers. Additionally, infection with H. pylori increases the risk of other diseases and is also a risk factor for stomach cancer.
Detecting H. pylori is the first step in treating peptic and duodenal ulcers and preventing the development of more serious gastrointestinal problems.
What happens during the test?
During the test, you will be asked to exhale into a small tube. The air you exhale will be checked to provide a baseline for comparison. Then you will be asked to drink a small amount of orange-flavored liquid along with a small quantity of a tasteless substance that is part of the test. Thirty minutes after consuming the solution, a second breath sample will be taken. The air you exhale will be checked for increased carbon dioxide levels.
What should I do before the test?
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medications.
- You should not have taken any antibiotics for four weeks prior to the test.
On the day of the procedure:
A doctor will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions you may have. The procedure lasts about 30 to 40 minutes.
After the test:
- Your breath samples will be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
- You can resume your normal activities without restrictions.
- You should not have taken any proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, or esomeprazole) for two weeks before the test.
- Do not stop taking any other medication without first consulting your doctor.
- Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for two hours before the test.
Test results:
Your doctor will inform you of the results of your test as soon as they are available.
If the test shows that you have an H. pylori infection, it can be treated with antibiotics.
One month after antibiotic treatment, your doctor may recommend a repeat breath test to ensure that the infection has been eradicated.
