H. pylori Testing

Your doctor may recommend the test if you have symptoms like upper stomach pain, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, or frequent heartburn.

H. pylori is a bacteria that infects the stomach lining. It is common in Nepal due to shared water sources and communal eating habits (जुठो).

There are several methods—stool test, breath test, blood test, or endoscopy with biopsy. Your doctor will choose the best one for your condition.

Common signs include persistent bloating, frequent burping, nausea, and a burning sensation in the upper abdomen (acidity).

Yes. You may need to stop antibiotics, acid-suppressing medicines (like omeprazole), or bismuth a few days before testing, as they can affect the results. Always follow your doctor’s advice.

Yes. The WHO classifies H. pylori as a Group 1 carcinogen. Long-term untreated infection is the leading cause of gastric adenocarcinoma and MALT lymphoma.

Most tests, like the stool or breath test, are simple and painless. Only the endoscopy-based test may cause slight discomfort, and it’s done under local or mild sedation.

No. "Gastric" (Gastritis) is the inflammation of the stomach lining. H. pylori is the most common cause of that inflammation. Testing is the only way to confirm if your symptoms are bacterial.

A positive test means H. pylori infection is present. Your doctor will prescribe a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medicine to clear the infection.

It spreads through the oral-oral route (saliva) or fecal-oral route (contaminated food/water). This is why Dr. Shekhar Poudel often recommends screening the entire household if one member tests positive.

Reinfection is uncommon but possible. Completing the full treatment and maintaining good hygiene—like washing hands and eating properly cooked food—can reduce the risk.

The most accurate test overall is an Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy. During this procedure, Dr. Shekhar Poudel can directly visualize the stomach lining and take a small tissue sample (biopsy) for 100% definitive results. This is the gold standard for patients with severe symptoms or suspected ulcers.

The 13C Urea Breath Test (UBT) is the most accurate non-invasive test available. Unlike blood tests, which can be misleading, the UBT provides 99% accuracy in detecting an active infection without the use of needles or endoscopy tubes.

Unlike older 14C tests, the 13C UBT uses a stable, non-radioactive carbon isotope. This makes it a "natural" diagnostic tool. Dr. Shekhar Poudel chooses 13C to ensure that even the most sensitive patients—such as pregnant mothers and small children—can be tested with zero radiation risk and 99% accuracy. Accuracy is more than 14C.

A blood test detects antibodies, which can stay in your system for years after the infection is gone. It cannot tell if you have an "active" infection today, whereas a Breath Test or Stool Test can.

Dr. Shekhar Poudel recommends endoscopy if you have "alarm symptoms" like unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or persistent vomiting. It allows for a direct biopsy and a visual check for ulcers.

Yes. At NGLC, we use the 13C-isotope for UBT, which is non-radioactive and safe for both pregnant women and children.

Children as young as 3–5 years can perform the Stool Antigen test. For the Breath Test, the child simply needs to be old enough to blow into a collection bag.

Yes. You must stop Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like Pantoprazole or Rabeprazole for 2 weeks before the test to avoid a false-negative result.

No. You must be off all antibiotics for at least 4 weeks before testing at NGLC to ensure the bacteria are detectable.

Yes. For the most accurate results, patients should fast (no food or water) for at least 4 to 6 hours before their appointment.

Yes, you can brush your teeth, but avoid using flavored mouthwash or chewing gum immediately before the test.

The entire procedure is fast and painless, usually taking between 15 to 20 minutes.

A positive result means you have an active bacterial infection that requires a specific course of antibiotics and acid-blockers to prevent ulcers or cancer.

Focus on "Probiotic" foods like curd (yogurt) and soft, non-spicy meals like Jaulo to support your gut while the antibiotics work.

No. While some foods soothe the stomach, only a medically supervised antibiotic therapy can kill the H. pylori bacteria.

H. pylori is becoming antibiotic-resistant. A follow-up test (4 weeks after treatment) is the only way to confirm the bacteria are 100% eradicated.

The National Gastro Liver Center (NGLC) in Lagankhel is a specialized facility providing advanced 13C UBT and expert consultations by Senior Gastroenterologist Dr. Shekhar Poudel.