Which department should I visit for *Helicobacter pylori* infection?

May 15, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I’ve been feeling nauseous lately, and my gastrointestinal health has been poor. I suspect I might have a *Helicobacter pylori* infection. Could you please tell me which department I should visit for this?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
You can visit the Department of Gastroenterology to test for *Helicobacter pylori* (H. pylori). Common diagnostic methods include the carbon-13 and carbon-14 urea breath tests. Alternatively, H. pylori infection can be detected via gastroscopy. If diagnosed with H. pylori infection, standard quadruple therapy—including a bismuth compound—is typically prescribed for 14 days. After completing treatment, you should discontinue all medications for one month before returning to the hospital for follow-up testing. H. pylori infection commonly causes upper gastrointestinal symptoms, such as upper abdominal pain or discomfort, acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. We hope this information is helpful. Wishing you good health!