Do you sometimes feel a burning sensation in your stomach, a feeling of fullness and heaviness in your stomach? Or do you get some strange pain in your stomach before eating? We often think that this must be "gas", right? But gas is not the only cause of all stomach problems. Sometimes the cause of this can be a small bacteria that we cannot see with our eyes. One such person is `H. pylori` or `(Helicobacter pylori)`. Today, let's talk about what `H. pylori` is, what tests are available to find out if this bacteria is in our body, and how to do them.
When is an H. pylori test needed?
Now you may be thinking, "Do I need to get this test too?" Not everyone needs this. But if you have these symptoms, your doctor may recommend an H. pylori test:
- If you experience a digging or burning pain in the middle or upper part of your stomach during meals or at night, it feels like someone is scratching you from the inside.
- If the stomach pain seems to ease a little after eating something or taking an antacid .
- If you always feel full and bloated .
- If you have nausea or vomiting .
These symptoms may indicate that the lining of your stomach is inflamed, which is called gastritis, or that you have ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, which is called peptic ulcer disease. The bacteria H. pylori is the main cause of this. In some cases, it can also increase the risk of stomach cancer. That is why a doctor will recommend this test if you have these symptoms.
What tests are available to detect `H. pylori`?
Okay, now let's see what tests are available to accurately detect the presence of this `H. pylori` bacteria. There are mainly four types of tests.
1. `H. pylori` breath test `(Urea Breath Test)`
This is the most common, relatively simple test to detect H. pylori. Here's what happens:
First, you are given a special liquid to drink. This liquid contains a chemical compound called `(Urea)`. Now, if you have `H. pylori` bacteria in your stomach, that bacteria converts this `(Urea)` into carbon dioxide gas. Then, when you exhale, the amount of carbon dioxide in that breath is measured. If there is more carbon dioxide than normal, it means that you have `H. pylori` in your body. Simple, right?
2. `H. pylori` stool test `(Stool Antigen Test - SAT)`
This is also a very simple test. It looks for antigens, or ``antigens'', in a sample of your stool. An ``antigen'' is a protein that is specific to a cell, virus, or bacterium. Our immune system recognizes diseases through these ``antigens.'' So, the presence of ``H. pylori'' ``antigens'' in your stool means that this bacteria is present in your digestive system.
3. `H. pylori` Blood Test `(Blood Test)`
This tests your blood for antibodies to H. pylori. When a harmful antigen enters our body, these antibodies are proteins that our immune system makes to fight it. These antibodies circulate in the blood to find and destroy the harmful germ (in this case, H. pylori).
However, this blood test has a small drawback compared to other tests. That is, it cannot accurately distinguish between an active infection and a past infection that has now cleared up . This is because these ``Antibodies`` can remain in the blood for some time after the infection has cleared up. Therefore, doctors use this blood test mostly to test people in some countries where ``H. pylori`` is common (for example, Africa, South America, and West Asia).
4. Upper Endoscopy / Esophagogastroduodenoscopy - EGD
This is the most accurate test for detecting H. pylori. However, unlike other tests, this is a slightly invasive procedure. A doctor may do this test if they want to check for other problems (such as signs of cancer) in addition to H. pylori.
In this procedure, you are anesthetized (you don't feel any pain), and a tube with a small camera attached to it is passed through your mouth into your stomach or the beginning of your small intestine. This camera can see inside very well. Then, a small instrument that goes inside the tube takes a small piece of tissue (a biopsy) from the lining of your stomach or intestine and sends it to a lab to check for H. pylori. This is also called an EGD.
How do these tests work?
Simply put, all of these tests look for signs of the H. pylori bacteria. Breath tests, stool tests, and endoscopy can detect an active infection . Blood tests can tell if you have ever had an H. pylori infection (or if you have had one or not).
How to prepare for the test?
Depending on the type of test you are having, you may need to stop taking certain medications two to four weeks before the test. This is because some medications can cause a false-negative test result . This means that the test may show "no infection" even if you have an infection.
Your doctor may tell you to stop taking medications like these:
- Medications such as antibiotics or Pepto-Bismol® (oral bismuth subsalicylate).
- Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications called ``Proton Pump Inhibitors - PPIs'' are available at pharmacies. Examples include ``omeprazole (Prilosec®)'', ``lansoprazole (Prevacid®)'', ``pantoprazole (Protonix®)'', ``rabeprazole (AcipHex®)'' or ``esomeprazole (Nexium®)'', ``dexlansoprazole (Dexilant®)''.
You may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before the test (fasting) . It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
What happens during the test?
What happens that day will vary depending on the type of test you have. You may only have one test, or you may have several tests.
- H. pylori breath test: First, you are asked to breathe into a balloon-like bag. The amount of carbon dioxide in it is measured. Then, you are given a drink of urea. After about 15 minutes, you are asked to breathe into another bag again. The amount of carbon dioxide in it is also measured. If the carbon dioxide is high the second time, it means that you have H. pylori infection.
- H. pylori stool test: You will need to collect a stool sample in a small container provided by your doctor. Your doctor will instruct you on how and when to take it to the lab.
- `H. pylori` blood test: This is the same as a regular blood test. A small sample of blood is taken and sent to a laboratory for testing.
- Upper endoscopy: You will be given a sedative to help you feel no pain. Then, the doctor will slowly insert a tube with a camera through your mouth into your stomach or small intestine. The tube will be used to look inside and, if necessary, take a sample of tissue (a biopsy).
You can go home the same day after all these tests are done. However, if you have an endoscopy, you will need someone to take you home due to the anesthesia.
What to expect after the test?
The sample taken from you will be sent to the lab for testing.
You can return to work as usual after a breath, stool, or blood test. It's best to rest for the first 24 hours after an endoscopy, but most people can return to work the next day.
What do the test results mean?
Your test result can be ``Positive`` or ``Negative`` .
What does it mean if you are `H. pylori` positive?
If the result of a breath, stool, or endoscopy test is positive, it means that you currently have an active H. pylori infection . You will then need to take antibiotics to kill the bacteria. After taking the medication for a period of time to kill the H. pylori, you may have another test to see if the infection is completely gone.
If the result of a blood test is ``positive'', it means that you have or have had an ``H. pylori'' infection. Your doctor will tell you what to do next based on the results.
What does it mean if H. pylori is negative?
A negative result is a normal result. It means you do not have an H. pylori infection .
How long does it take to know the results?
Results are usually available within one to three days. When you go for the test, ask your doctor how long it will take to get the results and how you can find out.
What is the most accurate test to detect `H. pylori`?
The most accurate test for detecting H. pylori is an upper endoscopy . However, the test that is most appropriate for you will depend on your specific situation. Consider these factors:
- An endoscopy is the most accurate, but it's also the most invasive and time-consuming test. If your doctor just wants to know if you have an infection, he'll probably start with a simpler test.
- Of the non-invasive tests, the H. pylori breath test is the most accurate. However, it may not be available everywhere.
- The H. pylori blood test is very simple, but the results only tell you whether you have ever had an H. pylori infection. It cannot tell you for sure whether you currently have an infection.
Your doctor will recommend which test is best for you based on your health needs.
Finally, remember this ! (Take-Home Message)
So, if you also have symptoms like frequent stomach pain and inflammation, these tests are very important to find out if the cause is a `(Helicobacter pylori)` infection. There is nothing to worry about. If these tests confirm that there is an infection, the doctor will prescribe the necessary medication for you. When you take those medications correctly, the bacteria will be destroyed and the discomfort in your stomach or small intestine will be cured. Therefore, if you have symptoms, it is wise to see a doctor and seek advice without ignoring them. Then you can recover quickly.
` H. pylori, Helicobacter pylori, Helicobacter pylori, Stomach ulcers, Gastritis, Stomach cancer, Breath test, Stool test, Endoscopy, Urea Breath Test, Stool Antigen Test, Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer Disease
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