Can H.pylori infection cause belly bloating and stomach heaviness?

Question

Hi doctor,

My mom is 60 years old. About 5 years ago she got H.pylori. This only got eradicated 1.5 years later due to low medical availability. For the last one and a half months she is bloating. She got another blood test done and it came positive and took antibiotics. Bloating is still present after eating and only eases after passing gas and burping. Stomach heaviness is also felt. We have some blood tests for CBC (complete blood count) and all iron tests everything is normal and she had elevated WBC (white blood cells) though. She is a diabetic. We are confused as there is limited medical help. Can you please suggest blood tests so that we can make sure everything is fine? As the internet has some scary stuff.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I would like to know what method do you use for H.pylori testing.

Here are a number of tests available in laboratories:

1. Urea breath test.

2. H.Pylori stool antigen.

3. H.Pylori serology (by ICT).

If you use H.pylori serology then I must tell you that this test may come positive (false positive) even if one gets properly treated for H.pylori so you do not need to worry about it. It will be better to share that test with me.Secondly, please share if the patient suffers from diarrhea, constipation, loss of weight, and pain in epigastrium? And what medication has been used with what kind of response? Please reply.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have seent the attachment (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

The test which you have done is not advisable for confirmation of eradication at all. You do not need to worry about it. Still, if want to confirm eradication, you must go for a urea breath test or stool antigen for H.pylori.

I think the patient is suffering from dyspepsia. I hope it will show a response. Just in case, if they do not respond then you must do the advised investigations.