Helicobacter pylori, more commonly known as H. pylori is a bacteria that can cause a plethora of gut problems including acid reflux, heartburn, ulcers, gastritis and stomach cancer. If you worried that you may have an H. pylori infection, it's important to get tested. In this article, we will go over the different methods used to test for H. pylori.
Stool (antigen) Test:
This is the easiest and most non-invasive way to test for H. pylori and can even be done at home. It involves providing a stool sample, which is then analysed for H. pylori antigens. This method is accurate, but it may not be suitable for patients who have recently taken antibiotics, as this can affect the test result accuracy.
Breath Test:
Another non-invasive testing for H. pylori is the urea breath test. In this test you drink a solution containing urea that has been labeled with a special carbon atom. If H. pylori is present, it will break down the urea into CO2 carbon dioxide, which is then exhaled. The exhaled air is collected and analysed to determine whether H. pylori is present. This is our prefered test for H.Pyloi
Blood Testing:
A blood test is another method used to test for H. pylori. In this test, a sample of blood is drawn from the patient and analysed for the presence of antibodies to H. pylori. However, it may not be as accurate as other methods bcause it cannot show if the infection is current, or in the past. We do not recommend this form of testing.
Endoscopy & Biopsy:
The gold standard and most accurate test for H.Pylori is a biopsy via an endoscopy. This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end down the patient's throat and into the stomach. If H. pylori is present, a biopsy will be taken and analysed.
If you suspect that you may have an H. pylori infection, it's important to get tested as soon as possible.
While there are several treatment methods available to kill H.Pylori, we recommend a herb first approach using a product like PlyoPurge which contains 5 different herbs shown in studies to kill H.Pylori.
Antibiotics can also be used but the success rate is around 70-80% and the damage done to the gut microbiome can often leave your with other problems of dysbiosis such as bloating and pain.
