What is H. pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria found in the inner lining of the small intestine (or duodenum) that causes chronic inflammation and peptic ulcers. A recent study from Medlineplus.gov states, approximately two-thirds of the world’s population is infected with H. Pylori in the United States. H. pylori Infection is also a strong risk factor for some types of stomach cancer. Helicobater testing, also known as a H. pylori test and H Pylori treatment are provided in our Beverly Hills office.

Common symptoms or signs of H. pylori bacteria include:

  • An ache or burning pain in your abdomen
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Esophageal reflux
  • Frequent burping
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Feeling full after eating only a small portion of food

Although these symptoms have been present in those infected there is no single symptom that is directly connected to H. pylori. The only way to know for sure if you have H. pylori is to be tested.

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HPylori-testing

How is H. pylori diagnosed?

We are pleased to announce the addition of BreathID breath test system, the latest technology for the detection of H. Pylori infection, to our state of the art office. At My Concierge MD, we provide a non-invasive, easy and effective method to test our patients for H. pylori. The C-Urea Breath Test is a 10 minute testing method preferred by many physicians and our own Concierge Doctors. Carbon 13 Urea Breath Test is recommended by both the American College of Gastroenterology and American Gastroenterology Association, as well as by the American Academy of Family Physicians for both initial diagnosis of H. Pylori and post-treatment follow-up testing to confirm eradication. After measuring your baseline breath sample, you drink a nearly tasteless solution. If H. pylori is present, CO2 will be released into the bloodstream and carried to your lungs, where it will be exhaled. Our equipment analyzes your exhaled breath to determine if the bacteria is present, and also if treatment is effective in getting rid of the infection.

What if I have H. pylori?

Helicobacter pylori is a treatable bacteria! The key is to know if you are infected or not and then make the best decisions in your healthcare plan. H. pylori treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics taken anywhere from 7 to 14 days. H pylori eradication and h pylori natural treatment are sometimes difficult. Two weeks after H. Pylori treatment one should get retested to make sure H. Pylori eradication was successful.

What are the Risk Factors associated with H. pylori?

Many people contract H. pylori as children. Contracting H. pylori in adulthood is much less common. According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors for H. pylori infection are often related to childhood living conditions, including:

  • Crowded living conditions.
  • Living in a developing country (have you traveled to developing countries.
  • Contaminated food
  • Living in situations without a dependable supply of hot water.
  • Living with a person who has an H. pylori infection.

If you or your family members have demonstrated any of these conditions, or if you have risk factors associated with H. pylori infection, a Concierge Physician from My Concierge MD can administer a relatively simple, non-invasive test to determine your status and thereby ensure your optimal level of healthcare!

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