Eating with someone who has Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) carries a risk of infection, although it is not absolute.

H. pylori is primarily transmitted through two routes: oral-oral and fecal-oral transmission. During shared meals, if the bacteria from an infected person’s saliva contaminates the food, there is a possibility of transmission to a healthy individual. Additionally, using utensils or cups that have been used by an infected person can also facilitate the spread of the bacteria.

Infection with H. pylori can increase the risk of non-cardia gastric cancer by six times and cardia gastric cancer by three times!

How to Know if You Have Been Infected?

For those who may have been exposed to H. pylori, it is important to monitor your health closely. Here are some common signs of infection to watch for:

*Digestive discomfort: Persistent dull or cramping pain in the upper abdomen, noticeable bloating after meals, or symptoms like acid reflux, belching, and nausea.

*Abnormal bad breath: H. pylori can cause the breakdown of urea in the mouth, leading to stubborn bad breath that persists even after brushing.

*Decreased appetite: A sudden loss of appetite or weight loss, especially when accompanied by indigestion.

*Frequent hunger: Some infected individuals may experience a burning sensation in the stomach when empty, which temporarily subsides after eating.

However, it’s important to note that about 70% of infected individuals may not show any symptoms, and only medical tests can confirm the diagnosis. If you have a high-risk exposure history (such as family members being infected or sharing meals without separate utensils), consider the following tests:

• Breath Test: Known as the C13/C14 urea breath test, it has an accuracy rate of over 95% and is non-invasive, painless, quick, and free from cross-contamination risks. It is widely recommended as the “gold standard” for diagnosing H. pylori infection. Note that you must fast before the test and avoid antibiotics for two weeks prior to ensure accurate results.
• Blood Test: This test detects the presence of H. pylori antibodies in the blood. While less accurate than the breath test, a positive result indicates past infection. Fasting for at least four hours is required before the blood draw, and antibiotics should be avoided for a period before testing.
• Endoscopy with Biopsy: This invasive method involves taking a small tissue sample from the stomach lining during an endoscopy to check for H. pylori. Fasting for more than eight hours is necessary before the procedure, and rest is advised afterward to avoid strenuous activities.
• Stool Test: This test detects H. pylori antigens in the stool. It is a simple, quick, and safe non-invasive method with high sensitivity and specificity, comparable to the breath test. It is particularly suitable for children and those who may not comply with other tests. The test requires a stool sample free from urine or other contaminants, and antibiotics should be avoided before testing.

• Who is at Higher Risk of H. pylori Infection?

  In addition to the risk from sharing meals with an infected person, the following groups should be particularly cautious:

  • Individuals with a family history of H. pylori infection
  • People living in crowded or unsanitary conditions
  • Those with compromised immune systems
  • Individuals who frequently consume contaminated food or water

  By understanding the risks and taking appropriate precautions, you can better protect yourself from H. pylori infection.

  A note from Xiamen Baysen Medical 

  We baysen Medical always focus on diagnostic techniques to imporve the quality of life, We already develop Hp-Ag test kit , Hp-ab Test kit,  Hp-Ab-S test kit, C14 Urea Breath H.pylori machine for providing test result of Helicobacter Pylori .