A breath test for Helicobacter pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is a quick and safe test to identify the bacteria that cause chronic gastritis and stomach ulcers. After entering the body, the bacterium moves along the gastric mucosa with the help of flagella and is fixed on its walls. The microorganism produces substances that destroy epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa, releases toxins that cause immune diseases. Trying to protect itself from a parasitic microorganism, the stomach increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid and substances that destroy its walls. However, the bacterium is able to survive for a long time in an acidic environment thanks to the enzyme it secretes - urease, which protects the microorganism from the effects of gastric juice, according to Pannochka, an Internet publication for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old.. net A breath test for Helicobacter pylori is performed on suspicion of a possible infection, and also to control therapy, Urease tends to break down urea (urea) in the stomach contents into ammonia and carbon dioxide, which neutralize hydrochloric acid. In this case, the acidity of the medium shifts to the alkaline side, which can be fixed using an indicator. The resulting carbon dioxide is absorbed into the blood, with which it enters the lungs, and then into the exhaled air. The breath test is based on measuring the concentrations of urea and its decay products in the exhaled air..

The HELIK test has high sensitivity and accuracy; it does not require sophisticated equipment and the use of isotopes of a changed composition.

Indications for a breath test A breath test for Helicobacter pylori is performed in the following cases:.

early diagnosis of H. pylori-associated chronic gastritis;

dyspeptic complaints (discomfort in the stomach and intestines, pain in the stomach and duodenum, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling of heaviness after eating, increased gas production, rumbling in the abdomen, upset stools);

determination of the risk of gastric ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer;

epidemiological studies (identification of infection of family members or persons in close contact with the patient);

screening before endoscopy;

observation of the patient after treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Preparation for breath test Diagnosis is carried out in the morning..

In preparation for the study, the patient must adhere to the following rules:.

stop taking antibiotics a month before passing the urease breath test;

14 days before the examination, exclude the use of antisecretory and antihistamines, a few days - antacids, bismuth preparations and analgesics;

do not drink alcohol 3 days before the examination;

during the day before taking the analysis, it is recommended not to eat fatty, fried foods, pickles, sweets and legumes;

there must be at least eight hours between the last meal and the breath test;

on the day of the test, you must stop smoking, use chewing gum;

you should thoroughly brush your teeth before the procedure.

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