Confirm eradication before assuming the antibiotic failed
A test of cure is recommended after H. pylori treatment, using a properly timed breath, stool or biopsy-based test.
Several explanations may be worth exploring
- False-negative test of cureRecent PPI, antibiotics or bismuth can reduce test sensitivity.
- Persistent H. pylori infectionEradication may fail with resistance or a poorly completed regimen.
- Functional dyspepsiaStomach symptoms can continue without an active infection.
- Medication-related gastritisNSAIDs and other medicines can irritate the stomach.
- Reflux or motility problemHeartburn, regurgitation and early fullness can involve another mechanism.
A detail to bring to the discussionPPIs, antibiotics and bismuth can affect test-of-cure accuracy unless timing is appropriate.
This changes which questions to askYour answer can help your clinician choose which possibility deserves priority. Symptoms persisting after H. pylori therapy do not prove the infection persists; test timing and current medicines change how eradication results are interpreted.
Unknown details can be clarifiedKeep original test and prescription dates if available; there is no need to guess what a report contained.
Another clue worth connectingPersistent symptoms may come from a different disorder even after documented H. pylori eradication.
History can change the pictureThis answer helps connect findings across time, but the relationship still needs clinical interpretation.
A separate clue to discussBring the relevant history to your clinician; what matters depends on its onset and severity.
No extra clue does not exclude possibilitiesA brief scan cannot exclude causes. Further adaptive questions may clarify the picture.
