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It is becoming very clear that the nasty little bug called Helicobacter pylori (a.k.a. H. pylori) has a growing level of resistance to the usual drugs used in treating this infection.  There is a new concept of sequential drug  therapy that appears effectively combat one of the mechanisms of resistance that are employed by this bacterium.

H. pylori is associated with gastric cancer and generally should be treated.  The infection causes chronic active gastritis that can cause abdominal pain and bloating.  It is a very common cause of peptic ulcer disease. 

The infection is often diagnosed by biopsy of the stomach, breath testing and a simple stool test.  Blood testing for H. pylori is not very reliable.

Should you have concerns about this disease, see your doctor.

The use of the Sandhill Scientific combined pH-impedance reflux monitoring system continues to provide a more complete picture by allowing the assessment of acid and nonacid reflux. It has become especially helpful in cases of atypical reflux and in those patients that are poorly responsive to medical therapy.

With newer methods, namely impedance reflux monitoring, we can diagnosis reflux as acid or nonacid. In populations failing to respond to acid suppression medical therapy, 40 % or more patients have nonacid reflux. The nonacid reflux may account for persistent symptoms while on medical treatment.

Recent reports suggest a role of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) as a causative factor in irritable bowel syndrome. SIBO can be easily tested by noninvasive hydrogen and methane breath testing. Ask your doctor about breath testing for bacterial overgrowth testing and be sure that the test includes both hydrogen and methane measurements. Dr. Starpoli offers such testing should the need arise.

If you have acid reflux and you drink coffee, consider stopping this habit. The trick is to stop all coffee including decaffeinated coffee. An improvement should be noticed in a week or so.

If you have a family history of colon cancer or are age 50 or older, please see your doctor and discuss colon cancer screening tests. One of many helpful web sites that explore the issues surrounding colon cancer prevention and screening is www.screen4coloncancer.org.