OBJECTIVES We investigated omeprazole's effect on 14C-urea breath testing. We also determined the duration of omeprazole's effect on the breath test. Finally, we studied whether effects on breath testing were dose dependent. METHODS Fifty-seven employees and outpatients were screened for Helicobactor infection. Those positive for serology, CLO, or histology were asked to undergo baseline brea...

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common bacterial infections in humans. There is a risk factor for gastric or duodenal ulcers, gastric cancer and MALT (Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue)-Lymphomas. There are several invasive and non-invasive methods available for the diagnosis of H. pylori. The (13)C-urea breath test is a non-invasive method recommended for monitori...

BACKGROUND Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and sugar malabsorption (lactose, fructose, sorbitol) may play a role in irritable bowel syndrome. The lactulose breath test is a reliable and non-invasive test for the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The lactose, fructose and sorbitol hydrogen breath tests are widely used to detect specific sugar malabsorption. AIM To asses...

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori is implicated as the causative agent for most duodenal and gastric ulcers. Invasive (endoscopy and biopsy) and noninvasive (serology, breath test) methods are currently available for definitive diagnosis of infectious peptic ulcer disease. METHODS Twenty-six patients with chronic gastritis symptoms underwent upper endoscopy, biopsy, rapid urease test, and [14C]u...

BACKGROUND An association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been found. OBJECTIVE To compare the prevalence and test results for bacterial overgrowth between IBS and fibromyalgia. METHODS Subjects with independent fibromyalgia and IBS were compared with controls in a double blind study. Participants completed a questionnaire, and a l...

BACKGROUND The need to withhold acid suppression therapy while awaiting urea breath test results is a common clinical problem in symptomatic patients. It is unclear at present if the dose or type of proton pump inhibitor or the type of test meal govern the apparent masking effect of proton pump inhibitors on the urea breath test. AIM To prospectively evaluate Helicobacter pylori detection rat...