Get answers to your specific medical questions from UM Medical Center experts.
If you are a carrier of H. pylori , you may have no symptoms. If you have an ulcer or gastritis, you may have some of the following symptoms:
Simple blood, breath, and stool tests can determine if you are infected with H. pylori . If you have symptoms, your doctor will determine if you are an appropriate candidate for these screening tests.
The most accurate way to diagnose H. pylori , however, is through upper endoscopy of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestines (duodenum). Because this procedure is invasive, it is generally reserved for people at high risk for ulcers or other complications from H. pylori, like having stomach cancer. Such risk factors include being over 45 or having alarming symptoms like:
Once diagnosed and treated, the breath and stool tests are used to determine if you have been cured of the infection.
|
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). |