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Are Breath Tests Required If The Stool Test Results Were Negative?
Question: Dr. Noble XXXXXXX
Doctor, Hello. You told me about the breath test, the navy did the same test via stool and it came back negative.. Should I consider the breath test as well? I really don't know what to try I'm seeing a liver specialist and I did a colon exam. I don't know what to do. I have noticed when I drink beer it get worst. I'm so depress doctor. thanks for your time.
Doctor, Hello. You told me about the breath test, the navy did the same test via stool and it came back negative.. Should I consider the breath test as well? I really don't know what to try I'm seeing a liver specialist and I did a colon exam. I don't know what to do. I have noticed when I drink beer it get worst. I'm so depress doctor. thanks for your time.
Brief Answer:
Discussion follows
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back.
There is a stool test for the H. Pylori. Going by the experience here, I have found the C13 Urea breath test to yield better positive results and I hardly do the stool test these days. You have to fast for 6 hours without food and fluids. You should not have taken antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors for a month before the test to get correct result.
The reason why it gets worse with beer is that the alcohol in the beer is a gastric irritant. You should also avoid spicy or acidic foods like lemon, tomatoes, avoid caffeinated beverages and chocolates. Relax, eat wholesome food and exercise about 30 minutes a day.
If you are unable to get a urea breath test done, we shall try a therapeutic trial to see if you are better.
Take care
Discussion follows
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back.
There is a stool test for the H. Pylori. Going by the experience here, I have found the C13 Urea breath test to yield better positive results and I hardly do the stool test these days. You have to fast for 6 hours without food and fluids. You should not have taken antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors for a month before the test to get correct result.
The reason why it gets worse with beer is that the alcohol in the beer is a gastric irritant. You should also avoid spicy or acidic foods like lemon, tomatoes, avoid caffeinated beverages and chocolates. Relax, eat wholesome food and exercise about 30 minutes a day.
If you are unable to get a urea breath test done, we shall try a therapeutic trial to see if you are better.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Doctor, thanks for your time, You mentioned something about the therapeutic trial, what is that method and how do we start therapeutic trials. Also what medicine will I use if the breath test comes positive. The test seems to be very expensive, but I was wondering could you recommend the meds to take to treat a positive test or should I say how is a positive breath test treated . I probable can get the meds in TJ. Mexico.
Brief Answer:
Welcome
Detailed Answer:
Sorry for the delay in replying as I was traveling and thank you for your patience.
H. Pylori produces inflammation and ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. The treatment of the same is usually by a tripple regimen.
This consists of a PPI like Omeprazole 20 mg twice a day on an empty stomach together with 2 antibiotics Clarithromycin 500 mg and Amoxicillin 1gram taken twice a day for 2 weeks. This usually eliminates the bacteria. It is followed by one month of PPI only for complete healing of the stomach lesions. Metronidazole can be used in place of Amoxicillin for those with Penicillin allergy.
Along with the tripple regimen, it is advisable to take a bland diet without any spices, avoid caffeine containing beverages, chocolate, smoking and alcohol. Relax and practice stress management, exercise minimum 30 minutes a day. These would help the lesions heal fast and prevent recurrence.
Take care.
Welcome
Detailed Answer:
Sorry for the delay in replying as I was traveling and thank you for your patience.
H. Pylori produces inflammation and ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. The treatment of the same is usually by a tripple regimen.
This consists of a PPI like Omeprazole 20 mg twice a day on an empty stomach together with 2 antibiotics Clarithromycin 500 mg and Amoxicillin 1gram taken twice a day for 2 weeks. This usually eliminates the bacteria. It is followed by one month of PPI only for complete healing of the stomach lesions. Metronidazole can be used in place of Amoxicillin for those with Penicillin allergy.
Along with the tripple regimen, it is advisable to take a bland diet without any spices, avoid caffeine containing beverages, chocolate, smoking and alcohol. Relax and practice stress management, exercise minimum 30 minutes a day. These would help the lesions heal fast and prevent recurrence.
Take care.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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