H. pylori, a stomach bacteria, inhabits nearly 44 percent of the world’s population. For most people, symptoms are absent or minimal–even with the most affected of patients, namely children. If your primary care physician suspects you have a problem with H. pylori bacteria, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist for special tests.
Let’s talk about why you may need H. pylori tests and where you can go for these tests in California.
H. Pylori Has Created a Number of Uncomfortable Symptoms
While many people have Helicobacter pylori infections and do not feel sick in any way, some individuals get persistent symptoms that interfere with their day-to-day function and overall well-being. So, you should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist if you have ongoing symptoms such as:
- A persistent burning or aching sensation in the stomach
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Excessive burping and feeling of bloating and fullness
- Weakness and fatigue
- Bloody stools
Your GI Specialist Wants to Rule Out Other Diseases or Conditions
While H. pylori infection of the stomach and small intestines is fairly common, the illness should be taken seriously even in developed countries with clean water supplies. The bacteria can lead to stomach ulcers and even cancer if left untreated for a long period of time. Anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency also develop in conjunction with H. pylori infection.
Additionally, gastrointestinal symptoms like H. pylori infection could be something else–cancer or inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease. So, your digestive health specialist will want to test you for the bacteria to either confirm the infection or rule it out entirely.
H. Pylori Tests Help Determine Treatment
These are the tests that your gastroenterologist may perform to determine if and how H. pylori bacteria are affecting your GI tract:
- Urea breath test in which you drink carbon-tagged material and exhale into a collection bag to detect levels of carbon released by H. pylori in the stomach
- Endoscopy and biopsy are performed with a thin scope inserted down the esophagus to sample tissue and take real-time images
- Stool sample antigen (protein) test specifically for H. Pylori
- PCR test–also called polymer chain reaction test
- Blood tests reveal the production of antibodies indicative of H. Pylori infection
After completion of a treatment plan, usually, a 14-day course of antibiotic tests is repeated to ensure the infection truly has resolved.
Get Expert GI Diagnosis and Treatment in California
If you are searching for a gastroenterologist for special tests, look no further than Genensis Healthcare Partners. Our gastroenterologist will evaluate your medical history, understand symptoms, and recommend the most suitable test to detect H. Pylori. If your test shows an infection, our doctor will provide you with a personalized treatment plan and aftercare.
To know more or get treatment, use our office locator to find a clinic near you. You can also request an appointment online.