Is long-term bad breath definitely caused by Helicobacter pylori?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on April 21, 2025
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Chronic bad breath may be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, but this is not always the case. Other causes of bad breath include dental issues, such as cavities and tooth decay. Additionally, stomach diseases can also cause bad breath, many of which are associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. After ruling out dental diseases, it is recommended to undergo a Carbon-14 breath test to determine if there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori. If the test for Helicobacter pylori infection is positive and accompanied by some stomach symptoms, such as upper abdominal bloating, burping, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting, it is advisable to undergo a 14-day treatment for Helicobacter pylori. Generally, after treatment, the Helicobacter pylori can change from positive to negative.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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If Helicobacter pylori is not treated properly, will it become more severe?

Helicobacter pylori infection, if not treated properly, does not necessarily become more severe. However, if treatment fails, it is necessary to undergo re-treatment. It is recommended to visit a hospital and consult with a qualified gastroenterologist to adjust the treatment plan. The choice of specific medications, as well as their dosages and usage, should be carried out according to medical advice. During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, it is important to avoid overeating, maintain regular meal times and portions, consume easily digestible foods, and eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins. Spicy and irritating foods should be avoided.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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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 Wang Li Wei
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
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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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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Can a gastroscopy detect Helicobacter pylori?

First, it is important to clarify that a gastroscopy and a Helicobacter pylori test are two completely different methods. Generally speaking, a gastroscopy cannot detect whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection. A gastroscopy specifically involves passing through the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and finally reaching the descending part of the duodenum. It allows clear observation of whether there is inflammation, ulcers, or neoplastic diseases in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and it is the clearest and most direct method for examining the upper gastrointestinal tract. Helicobacter pylori testing, on the other hand, can generally be conducted in several ways. Firstly, blood can be drawn to test for Helicobacter pylori antibodies. Secondly, a breath test can be done, which is currently the most commonly used method, such as the carbon-13 or carbon-14 breath tests. Other methods include taking a biopsy during gastroscopy for a rapid urease test, and culturing bacteria from a biopsy. Therefore, gastroscopy cannot be used to test for Helicobacter pylori.