Helicobacter pylori breath test

Introduction

With the 13C-(urea) Helicobacter pylori breath test, the presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori in the stomach can be detected with about 99% certainty. The functional principle of the breath test is as follows: The Helicobacter pylori has the ability to convert urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide (CO2). During the test, the test person is thus given marked urea mixed into fruit juice. If an infection with Helicobacter is present, the urea is split and CO2 can be detected in the air breathed. For general information we recommend our main page about: Helicobacter Pylori – All about this topic!

When is the Helicobacter pylori breath test performed?

The Helicobacter Breath Test is mainly used to monitor the success of a confirmed and treated Helicobacter infection. The aim of the test is to determine whether the bacterium could be completely eliminated with the help of antibiotic therapy (eradication therapy). The costs are usually covered by the health insurance company if the eradication therapy is at least four weeks ago.

In addition, the Helicobacter pylori breath test can be used for the first detection of the pathogen, if for any reason gastroscopy is not allowed. Especially in children this simple test is preferred to avoid gastroscopy. Here too, the health insurance usually covers the costs.

Otherwise, gastroscopy is the method of first choice for first pathogen detection. If you have not yet been diagnosed with a pathogen, but suspect a Helicobacter pylori infection, you will probably undergo a gastroscopy. If you have been diagnosed with a Helicobacter pylori infection, e.g. by gastroscopy and tissue sampling, and have received drug therapy, the breath test can be performed several times to monitor the success of the therapy.

If the breath test indicates that the Helicobacter has been eliminated, but you have symptoms again after weeks or months, you should repeat the breath test. This will then help to assess whether the drug therapy was really sufficient or whether you need to be treated again. We also recommend our page on: Symptoms of a Helicobacter pylori infection