PROCEDURES - H. pylori Breath Testing

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that causes chronic inflammation of the stomach. It is the single most common infection in the world, as over 50% of all people worldwide are infected. The vast majority of patients do not have symptoms with this infection, although some (about 10-20%) will develop ulcers in the stomach or their small intestine. H. pylori has also been found to be one of the causes of gastric cancer and MALT lymphoma.

There are multiple treatment options for H. pylori. Most options involve two different antibiotics in addition to a proton-pump inhibitor (like prilosec, prevacid, nexium, aciphex or protonix), but there are other treatment regimens. While these regimens are usually successful, it is important to be sure that the bacteria have been completely eradicated. To do that, we perform urease breath testing. This non-invasive test is done in the office and is very effective in determining if any H. pylori infection remains. The test takes about 30 minutes.