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Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria in the stomach which can cause stomach cancer, ulcers and discomforts.
The Helicobacter pylori breath test is a reliable, safe and rapid test to determine this bacteria’s presence in your stomach. Unlike other machines, we utilise the Carbon-13 isotope which is non-radioactive and safe even in children and pregnant women.
The test involves swallowing a Urea capsule which is converted to labelled carbon dioxide by Helicobacter pylori within the stomach. You will blow into a bag and your breath will be analysed for the presence of tagged carbon dioxide to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori in your stomach.
Sugars in our foods are fermented by bacteria in our intestine to produce hydrogen and acid. Excess amount of hydrogen and acid may cause bloating, diarrhoea and malabsorption. This may occur when there is excess bacteria in your small bowel, known as Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). It can also occur when there is malabsorption of sugars like fructose and lactose.
Depending on your problem, your doctor may choose on or more of the following types hydrogen breath test:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause heartburn, reflux, chest discomfort, throat discomfort and chronic cough.
The wireless esophageal reflux study utilizes a tiny disposable capsule to measure the acid levels in your esophagus (gullet) over a 48-hour period. The capsule is placed in your esophagus during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. A small recorder will then be placed on your neck to capture any events occurring during the 48-hour period.
A prolonged period of acidity in your esophagus indicates GERD.
Dr Wang Yu Tien joins us with nearly 20 years of experience from Singapore General Hospital where he was senior consultant, director of research and a faculty of senior resident training at the department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. He is experienced in managing the full spectrum of gastrointestinal and liver diseases as well as endoscopy. His subspecialty interest is digestive function disorders (e.g. Gastroesophageal Reflux and Irritable Bowel Syndrome). He was also the former director of the Gastrointestinal Function Laboratory at Singapore General Hospital and past Scientific Chairperson of the Gastroenterology Society of Singapore. He has published in top gastroenterology journals and is the current Gastroenterology specialty editor of Singapore Medical Journal.
Dr Eric Wee is a Gastroenterologist who manages all aspects of digestive, bowel and liver conditions. His subspecialty is in advanced endoscopy. Dr Wee is a member of the Royal College of Physician (UK), member of the American Gastroenterology Association (USA), member of the Faculty of Medical Experts (Academy of Medicine) and a fellow of the Academy of Medicine (Singapore). He has held senior appointments such as the Head of the Division of Gastroenterology at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Chairman of the Nutrition workgroup and Associate Program Director of the NHG Gastroenterology Residency Program.
