What should I do next if my H. Pylori breath test is still positive after completing the treatment course?

Doctor's Answers 1

Photo of Dr Jason Lim
Dr Jason Lim

Colorectal Surgeon

The current first-line treatment for Helicobacter Pylori involves a a regime called: Triple Therapy.

Triple therapy involves the use of two oral antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (e.g. omeprazole) for a period of two weeks. The proton pump inhibitor might be prescribed for a longer period depending on whether there are concomitant gastric pathologies like gastritis or a gastric ulcer.

A Urea Breath Test is often done 2 to 4 weeks after the cessation of the triple therapy to document eradication of the bacteria.

If the UBT returns positive despite the completion of triple therapy, your physician will discuss with you the alternative treatment options available.

As such, based on your question, it appears that you might not have had adequate treatment for your Helicobacter Pylori if your treatment was only for five days.

I would advise you to return to your physician to discuss the treatment of your helicobacter pylori in light of this test result. Thank you.

Similar Questions

Could persistent burping and belching pose a serious health risk?

Belching or burping is a normal body response to get rid of excessive gaseous material in the upper digestive tract. This works somewhat similar to the pressure-relief-valve found on pressure cookers to let go of excessive pressure build-up. In general, belching helps to reduce discomfort from gaseous distension. However, if this happens too frequently, it can result in disturbing symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, painful or difficult swallowing, complications from acid burns might have developed in your oesophagus.

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan

Answered By

Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

When should I see a doctor regarding rectum bleeding if I’m worried about colon cancer?

If you truly have reasons to worry about having colon cancer, please do not delay any longer. It is a well-known fact that survival is best when colon cancers are detected early. If you are 50yr and above or having a significant family history of colon cancer or you have a past history of colon polyps, you automatically fall into a higher risk group for having colon cancer. So many have made the mistake of assuming a benign cause of bleeding just because one has a past history of haemorrhoids. Such assumptions may result in unnecessary delay in making the right diagnosis.

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan

Answered By

Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox