How Does an H. Pylori Breath Test Work?

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that infects the upper digestive tract. An H. pylori infection does not cause any problems in many people. However, in some people, the infection can cause peptic ulcer disease. H. pylori can also cause gastritis and increase the risk of stomach cancer.

A simple test called the Helicobacter pylori breath test or the urea breath test can help to detect H. pylori bacteria. Besides diagnosing an infection, the H. pylori breath test can also be used to see if treatment has cured a Helicobacter pylori infection.

Please continue reading to learn more about the H. pylori breath test.

What is a Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori is a common bacterial infection of the stomach and upper digestive tract. Most people get infected by H. pylori during childhood. In fact, more than half of the world’s population is believed to have H. pylori infections. However, most people don’t realize they’ve been infected with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria because they don’t develop any symptoms or get sick.

Nonetheless, in some people, H. pylori can cause peptic ulcer disease. This is a condition in which an ulcer or sore develops in the stomach lining or lining of the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). The infection can also lead to H. pylori gastritis (inflammation of the stomach). If left untreated, H. pylori can increase the risk of gastric cancer.

If you have signs and symptoms of peptic ulcers, your health care professional will probably give you an H pylori breath test. Symptoms of peptic ulcer can include burning pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

An H. pylori infection can be cured with antibiotic treatment.

What is a breath test for H. pylori?

The H. pylori breath test is a non-invasive test that is used to:

Detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria
Diagnose active Helicobacter pylori infections
Find out if treatment has cured an H. pylori infection

Besides breath tests for H. pylori, your healthcare provider may order other diagnostic tests to evaluate your digestive system for peptic ulcers. These other tests may include stool tests, stool antigen test, blood tests, lab tests, X-rays, and/or endoscopy to obtain a small tissue sample.

How do they do a breath test for H. pylori?

The H. pylori breath test is a safe and simple test that can be done in a doctor’s office. The testing is not painful and does not involve any needle pricks.

During the test, your healthcare provider will ask you to exhale or blow into a balloon-like bag. The lab will measure the amount of carbon dioxide in the bag, which will act as a baseline level.

Following this, your doctor will ask you to drink a small amount of lemon-flavored liquid or eat a capsule that contains urea. Approximately 15 minutes later, your doctor will ask you to exhale into another bag. Again, the amount of carbon dioxide in the second bag will be measured.

How long does a breath test take for H. pylori?

The entire process takes 20-30 minutes.

How to prepare for an H. pylori breath test?

Your doctor will give you specific instructions before your H. pylori breath test. There is no special preparation required as such, but here are some general guidelines to follow before your urea breath test.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have a condition called phenylketonuria.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medications.
Stop taking certain medicines such as antibiotics and oral bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) four weeks before your urea breath test. These drugs can interfere with test results.
Do not take any over-the-counter or prescription medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) two weeks before your test. Examples of PPIs include pantoprazole (Protonix), omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), and rabeprazole (AcipHex). Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any medicine.
Do not eat or drink anything, including water, one hour before the test.
You can resume all normal activities without restrictions after your H. pylori breath test.

Is the breath test for H. pylori accurate?

The H. pylori breath test is accurate 95% of the time. The lemon-flavored liquid you drink or the capsule you eat contains an enzyme called urease. This enzyme breaks down urea, which is present in the breath of people who have H. pylori. The breakdown of urea releases carbon dioxide in the exhaled breath.

The laboratory compares the amount of carbon dioxide in the first and second breath samples. If the amount of carbon dioxide is higher in the second sample, it is considered a positive test for Helicobacter pylori.

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