Quick contact – Monday-Friday: 8.30-16.30
Product of the month: Microbiome test
Quick contact – Monday-Friday: 8.30-16.30
Product of the month: Microbiome test
In people infected with helicobacter, the likelihood of developing certain digestive diseases increases significantly, from gastritis to diseases such as gastric and duodenal ulcers or stomach cancer. Of course, not everyone infected with helicobacter becomes ill – this is determined by factors such as time, environmental influences or the patient's genes. According to recent research, Helicobacter pylori infection can also cause developmental problems and reduced performance in children.
Helicobacter pylori is relatively quick and simple to screen for, so it is advisable to find out whether you are infected, especially if you have digestive complaints or if gastric and duodenal ulcers or stomach cancer have occurred in your family.
Several methods are known for screening for helicobacter infection; the most widespread method that involves no intervention – i.e. is non-invasive – is the so-called C14 urea breath test for helicobacter.
Helicobacter is not only easy to screen for but also curable. Eradicating the bacterium requires a course of medication lasting roughly one to two weeks, and a doctor decides whether it is justified. As the course includes antibiotics and other medicines, it must also be prescribed by a doctor.
Endomedix specialises in helicobacter screening: by summer 2013, we had screened around 1,500 patients. The fast and painless C14 urea breath test makes it easy to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria. The test takes about 30 minutes. As the first step, the patient swallows a capsule labelled with the C14 isotope and, after waiting 10-20 minutes, breathes into a so-called breath card, which we analyse with an instrument, so patients learn the result within minutes. If helicobacter infection is confirmed, our colleagues will be happy to arrange an appointment for a gastroenterology consultation, where you can discuss further treatment with our specialist.
Book our C14 Helicobacter test if you have unexplained stomach complaints, have had a gastric or duodenal ulcer, or if stomach cancer has occurred in your family.
Anyone can have the test, but the patient must not eat for 4 hours beforehand; only plain water may be drunk. No water may be drunk in the 1 hour before the test. Smoking and chewing gum are not allowed. You may only brush your teeth with plain water, without toothpaste.
If you have been treated with antibiotics, you must wait at least 4 weeks after finishing the treatment before having the test; if you take acid-reducing medication, you must wait 5 days (acid-reducing medications include, for example, H2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors).
For unexplained stomach and abdominal complaints, or if the test confirms Helicobacter pylori infection, we strongly recommend that you see one of our expert gastroenterologists and book a gastroenterology consultation with them. Endomedix is the country's leading private gastroenterology provider, so our centres can be found in many parts of the country.
