Helicobacter is now well recognized as a major cause of peptic ulcer disease and as an important risk factor for the potential development of gastric cancers. An estimated 30% – 40 % of the US population is infected with Helicobacter pylori which may cause gastritis and/or peptic ulcer disease in those infected.
Patients diagnosed and treated for Helicobacter have a breath test available through Gastroenterology, PA which can be performed in an office to help confirm successful treatment for Helicobacter.
Test Preparations
Patients are instructed to abstain from eating for one hour prior to their test and to avoid antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors and bismuth for 14 days prior to initial testing. Patients drink a prepared solution and provide 2 breath samples at the physician’s office. The entire procedure is completed within 15 minutes.
For more information regarding Helicobacter testing or any other gastrointestinal procedure, please contact your PCP for referral or contact our appointment scheduling in our Somersworth, Portsmouth or Hampton office to arrange a consult with one of our physicians.
