The endoscopy test for H Pylori has a sensitivity of 88-95% versus a sensitivity of 88-94% for the blood test. The urea breath test has a sensitivity of 90-95%.
What this means that if you have the disease, the sensitivity is the chance that it can be detected (i.e. the breath test as a 90-95% chance of detecting the disease if you have it.)
The blood test has a specificity of 74-88% - meaning that if the test is positive, there is only a 74-88% chance that you have H Pylori.
I know this sounds confusing, but it all goes to show that there is no perfect test. I would suggest undergoing the H Pylori breath test. If positive, I would think that there would be more benefit in treating the disease - since untreated H Pylori disease is associated with a variety of gastric cancers.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Yoshi,
I have the Prev Pac, but haven't taken it yet.
Kate
Thank you, doctor.
If the breath test is positive, and I do decide to do treatment with the Prev Pac, is there anything I can do to protect myself from a return of c diff, other than taking probiotics during antibiotic treatment?
One last question: Can h pylori cause an increase in acid reflux symptoms?
Thank you.
Kate
I don't know -- never thought to ask. I assume that would matter here, no? I will find out tomorrow.
Thanks,
Kate
the 14 days treatment is expensive ,thats why some doctors will wait and see if the count is low.
what is the h pylori count??
HI Yoshi,
I already bought the 14 day treatment -- my health insurance covered it so it wasn't expensive for me. I'm just worried about a return of c difficile -- that's why I'm hesitating to start it.
Kate
what is meant by muscle tightened a lot??
which 14 days treatment did you get??prev pac or the other one called heli dac??
in about 7 days,you may start to experience runs/diarhea as the antibiotics alter the flora system in your body,so be sure you have some good yogurt around to add the good bacteria back.
Please becareful of taking antibiotics for H pylori.
This is extremely high dosage of antibiotics for long period, typically 14 days. The side effects can be quite severe.
in my case, I was not feeling much discomfort with my stomach but blood test still showed positive for the infection.
Unfortunately, i was on this treatment twice and ever since then, my digestive system never has been the same. I ended up with chronic gastritis and IBS. Somehow I also noticed my muscle especially in the addominal region and lower back has tighten up alot after the treatment as well. It has been three years but antibiotics side effects are still affecting my life immensely.
If you don't have to, I will really think about avoiding them.
Some people on this board long time ago suggested Mastic Gum may be effective with this bacteria. So look into some alternate treatment method first before you embark on this treatment.
jong
Hi,
I forgot to mention that I did have a 24 hour ph test [showed no acid, although on the day of the test I had no symptoms] and a normal manometry study.
Thank you.
Kate