«The important thing is that it can be easily diagnosed and, if necessary, treated and successfully eliminated,» says Dr. Conrado Fernández Rodríguez, head of the Digestive System Unit at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, in an interview with Europa Press Salud Infosalus.
In addition, the also affiliated professor at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid explains that the main tests available to detect ‘h. pylori’ are:
·The breath test, one of the most commonly used tests, is simple, non-invasive, and very reliable; in this test, the patient drinks a solution containing urea, and if the bacteria is present, it breaks down the urea, generating a gas that is detected in the exhaled air.
·The fecal antigen test, also very useful and non-invasive, detects the presence of bacterial proteins in the patient’s stool.
·Gastric biopsy is performed during an endoscopy; it is mainly reserved for cases where, in addition to confirming the infection, it is necessary to assess the condition of the stomach if there is suspicion of lesions, ulcers, or any complications.
·The serological test, which measures antibodies in the blood, is used less frequently because it detects whether the person has been exposed, but does not differentiate whether the infection is active or has already been treated.
WHICH IS THE MOST RELIABLE TEST FOR HELICOBACTER PYLORI
«The most reliable tests are the breath test and the fecal antigen test. Both are very precise, easy to perform, and confirm whether the infection is active, which is essential for deciding on treatment. The biopsy is also very precise, but because it is invasive, it is reserved for specific cases where endoscopy is necessary,» confirms this expert.
In general, if endoscopy is not required, non-invasive tests are preferred: «We use the breath test or the fecal antigen test for initial diagnosis and to confirm if the bacteria has disappeared after treatment.»
However, the head of the Digestive System Unit at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón emphasizes that there are factors that can influence the reliability of these tests: «Medications such as gastric acid inhibitors or recent antibiotic use can alter the results. Therefore, it is important to wait a few weeks after treatment to confirm if the bacteria has been eliminated. That’s why we always provide clear instructions before performing the tests.»
HOW IT IS TRANSMITTED AND POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS
This expert points out that the transmission of ‘Helicobacter pylori’ mainly occurs in childhood, and although it is not always certain, the main routes are fecal-oral and oral-oral. «This means it can be transmitted through contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with saliva, for example, by sharing utensils or through kissing in certain circumstances,» says Dr. Fernández Rodríguez.
He also mentions that it is more common in environments with overcrowding or poor hygiene conditions. «Hygiene measures to prevent transmission include washing hands thoroughly, consuming clean water, and avoiding sharing utensils; there is no vaccine, but prevention is possible with these simple habits,» describes this expert.
SUSPECTED SYMPTOMS OF H. PYLORI
«Many people with the infection do not have symptoms,» continues this gastroenterologist, but he points out that when they do occur, the most common ones are discomfort in the upper abdomen, a burning sensation, acidity, heavy digestion, and even nausea.
«Sometimes there is also swelling or loss of appetite. If these symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. It is important to remember that not all digestive problems are due to this bacteria, but it is a factor to consider,» says Dr. Fernández.
In case of a positive diagnosis, this expert from the Fundación Alcorcón explains that the treatment consists of a combination of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria, along with a medication that reduces stomach acidity: «This helps the antibiotics be more effective and allows the gastric mucosa to heal. Treatment usually lasts between 10 and 14 days.»
In some cases, bismuth salts can be added, which increase effectiveness, especially when there is suspicion of resistance. According to him, it is also very important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully, as treatments often require taking several tablets or capsules per day during that time. «When completed correctly, the cure rates are very high,» assures this university professor.
Once the treatment is completed, the breath test or fecal antigen test is performed a few weeks later to confirm that the bacteria has been completely eliminated, concludes Dr. Conrado Fernández Rodríguez, head of the Digestive System Unit at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón.
