H. pylori Breath Test  - A New Way To Diagnose Peptic Ulcers

Who hasn't heard a frustrated parent, spouse or friend utter these words: 'You're giving me an ulcer!' Hopefully none of us hears it too often, but it's a typical phrase that goes back to some of the old ideas about the causes of peptic ulcers: stress, spicy food and alcohol. But now we know that as many as 85 per cent of peptic ulcers can be attributed to helicobacter pylori, an insidious parasitic bacteria that lives in the gastrointestinal tract.

The most common procedure to investigate upper gastrointestinal symptoms like peptic ulcers is called endoscopy. This is an uncomfortable process that requires a narrow tube to be inserted into the stomach down through the mouth. But there is a simpler, non-invasive test that can detect h. pylori infection, and now, a new study from Scotland shows that this test may be just as effective as endoscopy.

Equal results, improved comfort

H. pylori creates peptic ulcers by weakening the protective coating of the stomach and duodenum (the section of intestine just below the stomach), allowing acid to irritate the sensitive stomach lining. Since the h. pylori bacterium was first identified in 1982, research has shown that infection by this spiral-shaped bacterium may also play a role in the development of heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and skin diseases. The most recent research even suggests a link between h. pylori and several different cancers, including those of the stomach, pancreas, and the larynx.

Obviously, the early detection and diagnosis of H. pylori is critical for anyone suffering prolonged gastrointestinal discomfort. That's why this recent study from the University of Glasgow is welcome news to anyone suffering with this kind of pain - and preparing for the additional discomfort of an endoscopy.

In their university hospital, the Glasgow researchers conducted a controlled trial with follow up at 12 months. A total of 708 patients were referred for endoscopic investigation of dyspepsia (a condition that may include any of several types of upper abdominal pains). They were randomly separated into two groups: one group to receive a non-invasive breath test, and the other to receive both endoscopy and the breath test.

Based on initial diagnoses and follow-up visits one year later, the Glasgow team concluded that the breath test was just as effective as endoscopy in detecting h. pylori. The authors of the study stressed, however, that the breath test would not detect other health problems not associated with h. pylori. For instance, the breath test would not detect a tumour, whereas the endoscopy would. But they also point out that continued extreme dyspepsia symptoms would still prompt an endoscopy test.

Not surprisingly, when the patients were asked to score the degree of discomfort or distress caused by their tests, the group using the non-invasive breath test scored their test higher in comfort and lower in distress. The breath test also has an economic advantage, costing approximately half the price of an endoscopy procedure.

H. pylori treatments - some good, some not

Years ago, the mainstream disregarded the whole idea that bacteria caused ulcers. Now, they've come around - yet many doctors still don't test for H. pylori. And when a patient does test positive for the bacterium, they immediately reach for a prescription antibiotic - a practice that has led to new drug-resistant strains of the bacterium. Even worse, antibiotics can upset the delicate balance of helpful bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract, just paving the way for more problems.

We've written about several natural therapies in the past that can rid your body of H. pylori without the unwanted side effects of antibiotics, such as a formula called Sano-Gastril that contains a beneficial bacterial strain proven to destroy resistant pathogens.

Another is lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein found in mother's milk (colostrum), which can kill h. pylori bacterium. (It can also help protect you from becoming infected with h. pylori in the first place.)

If you've been diagnosed with a peptic ulcer and have not been tested for H. pylori infection, it would probably be a good idea to contact your doctor and schedule a test as soon as possible. And be sure to ask about your options for testing procedures, because you don't have to suffer through an unpleasant test to get accurate results.