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 Lian Wen Xi

Pediatrics

48sec

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What are the symptoms of children infected with Helicobacter pylori?

Children infected with Helicobacter pylori typically show no symptoms initially, but may later develop chronic gastritis and gastrointestinal ulcers. Clinical manifestations mainly include vomiting, nausea, abdominal distension, acid reflux, and abdominal pain, and may even present symptoms such as bloody stools or vomiting blood. If a child is infected with Helicobacter pylori but exhibits mild symptoms, treatment can focus solely on the infection. However, if there are gastrointestinal ulcers or repeated gastrointestinal discomfort, treatment should include antibiotics along with medications that suppress stomach acid production. Treatment duration usually lasts about one to two months, depending on the specific condition of the child.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

52sec

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Why is there an increase in flatulence after the treatment of Helicobacter pylori?

After treatment for Helicobacter pylori, having more flatulence generally isn't directly related to the treatment, as the medication used includes proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, as well as bismuth citrate potassium. None of these drugs typically cause increased flatulence. If a patient experiences more flatulence after treatment, it might be due to functional dyspepsia. At this point, treating the condition with medications that regulate the gut flora, such as combined lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium triple live bacteria, might be effective. If the increased flatulence persists, it is advisable to promptly undergo a digital colonoscopy to rule out the possibility of organic intestinal diseases. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yang Chun Guang

Gastroenterology

51sec

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Can a gastroscopy detect Helicobacter pylori?

The examination with a gastroscope mainly focuses on checking for any damage to the mucous membranes of the stomach and esophagus. It can detect gastritis, gastric ulcers, or stomach cancer. For some patients who might have a tendency toward cancerous changes, a pathological examination can be conducted. However, testing for Helicobacter pylori with a gastroscope requires a separate lab test. Therefore, routine gastroscopic examinations generally do not include testing for Helicobacter pylori. If testing for Helicobacter pylori is needed, it is a separate examination item. Nowadays, since undergoing a gastroscopy can be quite uncomfortable and cause symptoms like nausea for some people, testing for Helicobacter pylori is accurately conducted using a breath test.

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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

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.