Cases of H. pylori stem from unknown A turning point arises, Aquarius

DearDr. Roach: Could you give some additional information about H. pylori infection? Iwas diagnosed with it recently. Iwas given instructionsonantibiotics tobetaken. When talking to my doctor’s physician assistant, I asked what could have caused the infection. I was given a very cursory response, including that it could have come fromeating at “Mom and Pop” restaurants. From research, it seems that it can be present for a long period of time without being noticed.

After I finished the antibiotics, I was told to have a follow-up test to make sure they were effective. I was given a choice of a stool test or a breathing test; I chose the breathing test. Are those tests also used to initially detect an infection, without a biopsy?— A.J.Y.

Helicobacter pylori is an important cause of chronic gastritis, themost important cause of stomach ulcers, and is an important factor in stomach cancer and intestinal lymphoma. Between 50% and 66% of the population of the world is affected. It is thought that most infection occurs person-toperson, possibly throughwater or from poor handwashing before food preparation. H. pylori is much more common in developing nations.

Not everyone with H. pylori has symptoms or needs treatment. People with ulcers or gastritis are generally treated with several antibiotics. The diagnosis can be made by biopsy or by the stool or breath test.

The breath test is at least 95% specific (if the test is positive, it’s very likely to be a true positive) but 90% sensitive, meaning one person in 10 with the bacteria will have a false negative test. The stool test is close to 95% sensitive and specific. Blood testing is more likely to have false positive and false negative results. In addition, the stool or breath test is recommended to confirm eradication of the infection.

Write to Dr. Roach at ToYourGoodHealth@ med.cornell.edu or mail to 628 VirginiaDr., Orlando, FL 32803.

Today’s Birthday: Your family and home blossom and grow this year. Cultivate selfdiscipline and reliability for happiness and satisfaction.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 themost challenging.

Virgo(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) (8) Reach a turning point with a partnership under the Full Moon. Adjust to a change in plans.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) (7) Begin a new physical health and fitness phase upon reaching a barrier or obstacle. Review and revamp skills.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) (7) Change directions with a romance, passion or creative endeavor under this Full Moon. Express your heart.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) (6) Make repairs. Renovate, remodel and tend your garden. Domestic changes require adaptation under the Full Moon. .

Capricorn(Dec. 22-Jan.19) (7) A new two-week phase in communications and intellectual discovery dawns with this FullMoon. Shift the direction of your research.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) (8) A turning point arises around income and finances. You can find profitable opportunities over two weeks under the FullMoon.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) (9) A challenge redirects you. This Full Moon in your sign illuminates a new personal direction.

Aries (March 21-April 19) (6) Review priorities privately. Meditate on dreams past and future.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) (7) This FullMoon illuminates social transitions. Patiently navigate a change.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) (6) Finish a project before beginning another professional phase. This Pisces Full Moon sparks a career shift.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) (7) An exploration changes. The Full Moon illuminates a shift in your educational direction.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) (7) The stakes could seem high with this Full Moon. Shift directions with shared finances over the next fewweeks.