Does Gastroscopy Check for H. Pylori Infection? What You Need to Know

Hello doctor, will the gastroscopy also check for Helicobacter pylori?

Hello, doctor.
Actually, I recently underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (EGD) (it was quite unpleasant).
I saw my colorful stomach during the procedure, and the doctor mentioned that there were a few small lesions (red spots).
He said it wasn't a major issue and that I could just take some medication.
After that, I returned for a follow-up and took a proton pump inhibitor for one course, but I haven't gone back since.
Now that I think about it, I should probably continue the medication because sometimes I still feel uncomfortable when I'm stressed, anxious, skip meals, or am hungry.
To be honest, my condition has been fluctuating for a while, so I'm wondering if I might have Helicobacter pylori.
I forgot to ask the doctor who performed the endoscopy and my attending physician whether I have H.
pylori.

So, my question is: during a routine endoscopy, is there usually a check for Helicobacter pylori? If H.
pylori is found after the endoscopy, will the doctor who performed the procedure or the attending physician inform me? If they don't inform me, does that mean I don't have it? Thank you, doctor!

PQN, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/07/15

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello PQN, for related issues, please consult a gastroenterologist for further explanation.
It is recommended to continue treatment for 2-3 months and to adjust your mood and diet.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Chen Shidian.

Reply Date: 2012/07/15

More Info

Gastroscopy, also known as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, is a procedure that allows doctors to visually examine the lining of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine using a flexible tube with a camera. This procedure is often performed to investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal bleeding. One of the common concerns patients have is whether this procedure can also check for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which is known to be a significant cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers.

To address your question, during a gastroscopy, the physician can indeed assess the stomach lining for signs of H. pylori infection, but it is not a direct test for the bacteria itself. Instead, if the doctor suspects an H. pylori infection based on the visual examination or the patient's symptoms, they may take a biopsy of the stomach lining. This biopsy can then be tested for the presence of H. pylori. The results from this biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis of an H. pylori infection.

If your gastroscopy revealed some redness or small lesions in the stomach lining, it is possible that the doctor may have suspected an H. pylori infection, especially if you were experiencing symptoms consistent with gastritis or ulcers. In such cases, the physician would typically inform you about the findings and discuss the next steps, which may include testing for H. pylori and possibly initiating treatment if an infection is confirmed.

Regarding your concern about whether the doctor would inform you if H. pylori was found, it is standard practice for physicians to communicate significant findings to their patients. If a biopsy was taken and tested for H. pylori, the results would usually be discussed during a follow-up appointment. If you did not receive any information about H. pylori after your gastroscopy, it is likely that either no biopsy was taken, or the results were negative.

In terms of treatment, if H. pylori is confirmed, a standard treatment regimen typically involves a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to eradicate the bacteria and promote healing of the stomach lining. It’s important to follow through with the treatment as prescribed, as untreated H. pylori infections can lead to more serious conditions, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer in some cases.

If you are still experiencing symptoms such as discomfort after meals, emotional stress, or changes in appetite, it would be advisable to consult your healthcare provider again. They may recommend further evaluation or a repeat gastroscopy if necessary. Additionally, lifestyle modifications, such as managing stress, eating smaller meals, and avoiding irritants like spicy foods or alcohol, can also help alleviate symptoms.

In summary, while a gastroscopy can provide valuable information about the state of your stomach lining, specific testing for H. pylori may require a biopsy. If you have concerns about your symptoms or the results of your previous gastroscopy, it is essential to communicate with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

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