In my practice, I encounter many patients coming with health screening results which contain H. pylori blood test results. Some of the results are positive, which understandably lead to some concerns from the patients. This article aims to educate about this condition.
What is H. pylori?
It is a shortened name of a bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori.
What is a H. pylori infection?
Helicobacter pylori infection occurs when the bacteria infects a person’s stomach or small intestine.
How do you get H. pylori infection?
H. pylori is spread by consuming food or water contaminated with the organism. It is also passed from person to person through direct contact with saliva, vomit or stool.
What are the symptoms of H. pylori infection?
Most people with H. pylori infection have no symptoms. However some people may develop stomach or small intestine ulcers as a result of the infection.
Common symptoms of ulcers can include:
- Pain or discomfort in the upper belly
- Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
- Not feeling hungry
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dark or black-colored bowel movements
Is there a test for H. pylori infection?
Yes. Doctors can do different tests to diagnose H. pylori infection:
- Breath tests – These tests measure substances in a person’s breath after they drink a special liquid.
- Stool tests – These are tests to check a sample of the stool for H. pylori infection.
- Biopsy – For this test, a doctor takes a small piece of tissue from the lining of the stomach. Then, they look at the tissue under a microscope. A doctor can do a biopsy during an endoscopy.
Can a blood test diagnose H. pylori infection?
Concerns over its accuracy have limited its use. In addition, it does not reliably distinguish between current active infection and past infection.
In other words, a positive result does not mean you are currently having a H. pylori infection. A negative result does not confirm that you do NOT have H. pylori infection.
This test will incur unnecessary cost and worry. It may even lead to unnecessary treatment with unnecessary side effects and risks.
Who should be tested for H. pylori infection?
You should speak to your doctor to consider testing for H. pylori infection if you have the symptoms listed above.
H. pylori testing is usually not recommended if you have no symptoms and no past history of peptic ulcer disease. However, it may be considered for selected people, such as those with a family history or concern about stomach cancer.
How is H. pylori infection treated?
H. pylori infection is treated with medicines. Most people need to take 3 or more medicines for 2 weeks. These can include:
- Medicines to reduce the amount of acid that the stomach makes – This can help cure the infection and help ulcers heal.
- Different types of antibiotics
People who are diagnosed with H. pylori infection should get treated, because treatment can:
- Help ulcers heal
- Keep ulcers from coming back
- Reduce the chance that an ulcer will get worse or lead to cancer
Follow all of your doctor’s instructions about taking your medicines and re-testing to ensure eradication of the bacteria.
Can H. pylori be prevented?
H. pylori infection can be passed from one person to another. Some ways to help keep others safe:
- Wash your hands with soap and water:
- After going to the bathroom
- After changing diapers
- Before cooking or preparing food
- Only drink water from safe sources.
- Avoid bathing or swimming in contaminated water.
Take Home Points
- Do not opt for H. pylori blood test in your health screening packages
- Speak to your doctor if you have any symptoms mentioned above or if you have concerns regarding H. pylori infection.
- Do a breath test, stool test or an endoscopy biopsy to accurately diagnose H. pylori infection.
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