By collecting the breath, doctors can measure this carbon and determine whether H. pylori is present or absent. Urea breath tests are at least 90 percent accurate for diagnosing the bacteria and are particularly suitable to follow-up treatment to see if bacteria have been eradicated. These tests are awaiting FDA approval. The doctor may then perform one of several tests on the tissue. A rapid urease test detects the bacteria's enzyme urease.
Histology involves visualizing the bacteria under the microscope.
These drugs reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces by blocking histamine, a powerful stimulant of acid secretion. H2-blockers reduce pain significantly after several weeks. Unlike H2-blockers and acid pump inhibitors, protective agents do not inhibit the release of acid. Now, in addition to treatment aimed at decreasing the production of stomach acid, doctors may prescribe antibiotics for patients with H. pylori. The most effective therapy, according to the NIH Panel, is a 2-week, triple therapy.