Can a barium meal detect Helicobacter pylori?

Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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The most commonly used test for detecting Helicobacter pylori at present is the breath test, which generally comes in two types: carbon-13 and carbon-14, though the testing method is basically fixed. A barium meal test can only detect whether there are large gastric ulcers or the presence of gastric cancer, but Helicobacter pylori is quite small and cannot be detected through a barium meal. Therefore, the detection of Helicobacter pylori typically relies on traditional methods, such as breath tests or tests performed during gastroscopy.

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Symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori, once settled in the stomach and duodenum, can cause chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, leading to reduced stomach digestive function. Over time, this may lead to chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and even cause gastric cancer. So, what are the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection? In cases of mild infection, where the bacteria count is low, there might be no obvious symptoms, with only bad breath occurring. If a high bacteria count causes an inflammatory reaction in the gastric mucosa, symptoms can include stomach bloating, stomach pain, acid reflux, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, along with nausea and bad breath.

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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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How to eradicate Helicobacter pylori

The spontaneous clearance rate of Helicobacter pylori infection is extremely low, meaning that it is almost impossible to cure itself. If not treated medically, it may lead to a lifelong infection. Currently, the consensus both domestically and internationally on handling Helicobacter pylori is that eradication requires combination therapy with multiple drugs, categorized into triple therapy and quadruple therapy, with a treatment duration of 2 weeks. Triple therapy consists of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) plus two antibiotics. We currently use quadruple therapy, which includes two antibiotics, a gastric mucosal protectant, and a proton pump inhibitor. The choice of these drugs is complex. Common anti-inflammatory drugs include amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin; in cases of bacterial resistance, we recommend using furazolidone or tetracycline. Specific medications should be consulted in detail with a doctor. After the treatment course, we need to assess whether the eradication was successful, with a re-examination one month after stopping the drugs. After the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, the rate of reinfection in adults is very low, but the reinfection rate in children is somewhat higher than in adults. Not everyone infected with Helicobacter pylori needs eradication; it is necessary only for those with ulcers, erosion, atrophy, or related symptoms.

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What are the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogen produced in the stomach or oral cavity. It cannot be said that Helicobacter pylori causes any specific symptoms, rather, it is the infection of Helicobacter pylori that leads to a series of diseases presenting symptoms. Some people infected with Helicobacter pylori may not show any symptoms at all. If related diseases occur, such as gastritis or ulcers, symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting may appear. Additionally, some patients, like those with refractory iron deficiency anemia or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, may also have conditions associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.

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Helicobacter pylori symptoms

Helicobacter pylori itself is just a bacterium, often parasitizing the stomach or oral cavity of the human body. It cannot be said that Helicobacter pylori has symptoms, but rather that symptoms may occur after being infected by Helicobacter pylori. Many normal people infected with Helicobacter pylori may not exhibit any discomfort. However, if Helicobacter pylori causes gastritis or peptic ulcers, etc., related symptoms may appear. For instance, abdominal pain, bloating, belching, acid reflux, and so on; in cases of peptic ulcers, corresponding symptoms, such as periodic, recurrent episodes of upper abdominal pain associated with eating and so forth, may also occur and will need to be determined based on the specific situation.