Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterial infection in the stomach lining that affects more than half the world’s population and plays, if left untreated, a key role in the development of peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, and gastric cancer.
At United Digestive, we offer noninvasive testing options to diagnose active H. pylori infection so patients can receive effective treatment and long-term symptom relief.
FAQs
Yes. It can spread through saliva, contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. That’s why accurate diagnosis and treatment are important.
You may benefit from H. pylori testing if you experience:
- Recurring or persistent abdominal pain
- Frequent bloating, nausea, or vomiting
- Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
- Black, tarry stools or symptoms of anemia
- A history of ulcers or gastritis
- Family history of stomach cancer
Testing is also recommended prior to starting long-term NSAID therapy (e.g., ibuprofen) in certain patients, or if you’ve previously been treated for H. pylori and need to confirm eradication.
The urea breath test (UBT) involves the patient drinking a special liquid and providing a breath sample, which will show elevated carbon dioxide levels if H. pylori is present.
The test is:
- Simple and outpatient
- 94–100% accurate
- Covered by most insurance plans
- Used both for diagnosis and confirmation of successful treatment
Important: To ensure accuracy, patients must stop proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics, and bismuth products (like Pepto-Bismol) at least 2–4 weeks prior to testing. Your provider will give detailed instructions.
You’ll be prescribed a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications for 10–14 days. After treatment, a follow-up breath will confirm the infection is gone.
Yes. Follow-up testing is recommended to confirm the infection is fully eradicated. If symptoms return or persist, you may need to retest.