Uk HP Breath Test - How reliable?

[helsbells]

Would anyone have any advice on this. I have just had a negative breathtest result for Helicobacter, a private Dr had suggested I ask for the stool antigen test but the only one my Dr was prepared to do was the breath test (urea tab). This has come back neg. the only thing is I do have the most awful GI symptoms, massive reflux problem, stomache pain, food intolerance - It maybe that these are just the symptoms of a system under severe stress but my private DR is now on a sabbatical so cannot ask why she had suggested stool antigen and if the fact it wasn't would affect reliability.

Many Thanks

 

[Athene]

Don't they normally do a blood test?

I've been teaching English to a microbiologist lately who specialises in H pylori and she always tests blood. She said 50 of the population worldwide has H pylori but there are different strains with different virulence factors, so some people have no symptoms whilst others are very ill. It is a class 1 carcinogen so you need to get rid of it if you have a nasty strain.

If you've got any questions you'd like me to ask her, post a msg.

 

[helsbells]

Hi Athene, I would like to know what is the most reliable test? I have such gastric troubles I want to know this result means I can rule it out. I am learning that there are tests and tests. I know the standard NHS Lyme testing in the UK is very unreliable. But this might be a good test i just don't know - and because its the National Health Service - you can never really question it or find out any more info.

Thank-You

 

[willow]

I know someone who recently tested positive to this but it only seems to measure urea. He asked his GP about the reliability of the test and suggested that other microbes in the stomach might also produce urea. The GP, who was drinking out of a mug with 'Numpty' written on it said that he didn't know and the patient would have to ask someone bighter than him!!

My gut feel (haha) with me and microbes is that they can be in places other tha the gut, or a particular microbe can be inactive one time and active a couple of weeks later. I *think* Amy Yasko sometimes sees something similar, that it can be several tests before a particular pathogen shows on a test and after various herbal courses. In this case she sees it as progress that the pathogen is active (and not that someone has suddenLy picked it up).

Some others here have good results treating things they see on stool tests but it's been a bad course of action for me. I've been working on improving immune function and then addressing some gut pathogens homeopathically which seems to be helping.

From my contact with Dr Myhill I think she addresses immune function rather than the pathogens themselves. i think she said she once used stool tests etc to guide direct pathogen treatments but generally found that her patients didn't see great improvements.

The good news is that if you take this line and it works it doesn't matter what you have!

 

[helsbells]

The GP, who was drinking out of a mug with 'Numpty' written on it

Still, ahem, digesting, the rest of the message too busy laughing at that or as my nieces would say LMAO

 

[willow]

LMAO - had to look that up. Now I'm LMAO.

 

[Alexia]

Hi Helsbels,
I was told that the stool antigen test is the most reliable test for the HP. I tested positive 1,5 year ago then I had a treatment and tested negative one month after the treatment. I'm planning to test again soon to know if after all these months is still negative. The test is not covered by the Health Insurance that's the reason I didn't do it again but I will soon.

 

[helsbells]

Aaah thanks Alexia - it maybe I have to do this privately then, You tend not to get the opportunity to pick and choose on the NHS. I know I also have higher than average amount of C dif bugs but that wasn't an NHS test and I assumed that was just a consequence of an ill functioning immune system. I will look into doing it privately out of interest of cost

 

[flybro]

I didnt test for it, but my Doc gave me medication in case I had an ulcer becasue of my symptoms, and my fathers history of ulcers.

The meds worked beautifully, I've had them twice now. I would prob benefit from another round.

I had them before I got my DX, so I wouldnt be suprised if I cant get them anymore.

took nausea, acid burning and made eating a whole lot easier.

I'm glad you remined me of this.

Cheers

 

[Athene]

I'm seeing the microbiologist on Thursday eve, so I'll ask her then and post her reply.

 

[sunlady]

In the UK you can be tested on the NHS for H. Pylori using blood tests, urea breath tests, endoscopy and colonoscopy.

You must insist, it is you right, on seeing a gastroenterologist

I first and second time tested positive using blood tests, third and fourth times using endoscopy and colonoscopy.

The treatment, if you are positive is, two different antibiotics for 7 days and a proton pump inhibitor, eg Zoton for approx 14 days.

There is a known link between H. Pylori infection and cancer which is why it is so important that you are tested and treated if necessary.

I hope this helps.

 

[maryb]

Helsbells I was tested by the NHS via a blood test, which was positive, treatment was the same as the others, 2 different a/biotics. I still think the illness brought the bugs, I was perfectly healthy gut wise before becoming ill.

 

[helsbells]

I can see the DRs Lab in London do the stool antigen test, although this would have to be arranged privately so it is worth knowing if this is any more reliable than the breath test? I think you are right maryb I know I have higher than average levels of C dif in my gut plus virus, staph infection on skin, heck I can't even seem to get rid of verrucas (maybe sharing too much there) so I know the immune function is off but on the other hand have massive problems with allergies and mcs so I seem to lose in both the TH1 and TH2 stakes!

 

[Athene]

Hi,
I spoke to the microbiologist.

She said the breath, stool and blood tests are all reliable for H pylori, but like all tests they have a margin of error. The more times you do a test (different ones, or the same type) then the closer you get to a 100 percent accurate result. Therefore if the results is negative but the symptoms suggest H pylori it is fully justifiable to repeat the test.

Hope that helps and good luck.

BTW I have had periods of bad gastritis with stomach lining erosion but no H pylori (4 tests!). I think CFS makes weird things happen to our stomach acid - sometimes too much, sometimes not enough.

 

[helsbells]

Hi,
I spoke to the microbiologist.

She said the breath, stool and blood tests are all reliable for H pylori, but like all tests they have a margin of error. The more times you do a test (different ones, or the same type) then the closer you get to a 100 percent accurate result. Therefore if the results is negative but the symptoms suggest H pylori it is fully justifiable to repeat the test.

Hope that helps and good luck.

BTW I have had periods of bad gastritis with stomach lining erosion but no H pylori (4 tests!). I think CFS makes weird things happen to our stomach acid - sometimes too much, sometimes not enough.

Thanks so much for checking this out Athene, I really appreciate it - I am inclined to agree with you - i have major reflux, haven't been able to lie on my back for years. But I think you are right i know allrgy food intolerance is a massive aggravating factor. i might look into the cost of the stool test privately just out of interest and if its not too expensive I might think about it before putting it to bed entirely - altho I suspect that would be neg too :Retro smile:

 

[Athene]

If you make a fuss you might be able to get a repeat test on the NHS. 2 of my tests were done by the NHS.

 

[Mij]

Hi there,

I had terrible gastro problems for at least 5yrs until a virologist did an antibody test for H.Pylori and I came back with positive antibodies. Someone mentioned that 50% of the population test positive for antibodies which is true. He wanted to do the Urea Breath Test but I insisted on getting treated for this right away because I could hardly sit upright with the discomfort and had terrible weakness in my legs. I was treated with Clarithimycin, Flagyl and a stomach acid reducer for 1 week. All my gastro symptoms went away and I felt great again! I also took Mastica Gum for a month to make sure all of it was killed off.

I think if your urea breath test came back negative you may not have H Pylori because it is quite reliable.

Mij

 

[helsbells]

Thanks for your input Mij this is what i thought but interestingly my symptoms do get a lot better with Mastica which made me wonder although I suppose it could just work for reflux in general.