What happens after an H. pylori breath test?

The test looks for evidence of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can affect the stomach. A positive result may explain some upper-abdominal symptoms and can lead to treatment. A negative result makes active infection less likely, although your clinician may consider other causes if symptoms continue. Antibiotics and acid-suppressing medicines can affect testing, so the clinician will check whether preparation or a repeat test is needed.

Make sure the practice has a reliable way to contact you and ask when the result is expected. If treatment is prescribed, take it exactly as directed and complete the course unless a clinician tells you to stop. Ask what to do if nausea, diarrhoea, rash or another reaction occurs. A follow-up test may be recommended to check whether infection has cleared, with timing based on the medicines used. Read about the [H. Pylori Breath Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/h-pylori-breath-test/) and [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/).

Contact a clinician urgently for vomiting blood, black stools, severe or worsening abdominal pain, fainting, or yellowing of the skin. Seek emergency help for swelling of the lips or face, wheezing or trouble breathing after a medicine. Ongoing indigestion, vomiting or unintentional weight loss also warrants medical review.

Ask whether the result is positive or negative, whether any medicine could have affected it, what treatment is planned, how side effects will be handled, and whether a clearance test is needed.