Services Gastroenterology Tests & Procedures H. Pylori Breath Test

H. Pylori Breath Test

Hattiesburg Clinic offers H. pylori breath tests to adults and children in Mississippi.

H. Pylori Breath Test Overview

Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori), a common, persistent infection, can live in the stomach for many years. The infection affects two-thirds of the world’s population and is a major cause of peptic ulcer disease. Its presence also increases your risk of gastritis and stomach cancer.

The H. pylori breath test is a quick and simple procedure used to test for this infection. Hattiesburg Clinic offers a quick, non-invasive test in our office called the BreathTek® UBT Kit. During an office exam, you will be asked to provide a baseline breath sample, then drink a Pranactin®-Citric drug solution, which will help detect signs of H. pylori infection. After waiting 15 minutes, we will have you provide a second breath sample.

How does H. pylori affect you?
Symptoms of H. Pylori Infection
How does BreathTek® work?
Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

How does H. pylori affect you?

When H. pylori bacteria lodge in the stomach lining, they start to produce substances that thin and weaken the protective mucus. This allows gastric acid to reach the stomach’s wall and cause damage. Ulcers can develop in the exposed lining as a result.

H. pylori can also attach to the stomach’s cells. This sometimes results in issues like stomach inflammation (gastritis) or excess acid production.

Symptoms of H. Pylori Infection

The best way to test for an H. pylori infection is with an H. pylori exam. Your doctor may recommend this exam if you or your child are experiencing the following symptoms:

Burning
Bloating
Belching
Upper abdominal pain
Gnawing pain
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Gas
Bad breath
Vomiting

The National Cancer Institute says clinical studies have also linked H. pylori infection with an increased risk of developing certain stomach cancers.

Are you experiencing these symptoms? BreathTek is a convenient way to test for this condition and help get you on the path to proper treatment.

How does BreathTek work?

Hattiesburg Clinic offers H. pylori breath tests to adults and children in Mississippi. Our GI doctors and pediatric GI physicians make testing with the BreathTek device quick and simple:

During an office exam, you will be asked to provide a baseline breath sample.
The patient will then drink a Pranactin^®-Citric drug solution, which will help detect signs of H. pylori infection.
The patient will wait 15 minutes.
Then, the patient will provide a second breath sample.

The breath samples will be measured using an in-house diagnostic device called a POCone® Infrared Spectrophotometer. Results are available within a few minutes and the physician will discuss them with you at that time. If you test positive for H. pylori infection, you will be treated with antibiotics and will be asked to return for testing again in four weeks.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; BreathTek.com

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

At Hattiesburg Clinic, we understand that gastrointestinal symptoms place a huge burden on the quality of life. Our physicians are dedicated to spending time with patients to understand their symptoms, perform testing and design a treatment plan. We are invested in each of our patients to see success, and we take pride in helping them feel better.

When you choose Hattiesburg Clinic for H. pylori breath testing or another gastroenterology service, you receive access to quality care and can see all your specialists in the same area. Find a location near you and call our team to schedule an appointment.