Confirm eradication after treatment
Your clinician will schedule confirmation testing, usually with breath or stool antigen, at least four weeks after antibiotics or bismuth. Everyone treated needs this check. PPIs or PCAB acid blockers are usually paused for two weeks beforehand, only under clinician direction. Ask how to manage symptoms safely and report any new antibiotics before testing.
Review continuing symptoms or a positive result
If the confirmation test remains positive, your clinician will review the previous course before choosing further treatment. If infection has cleared but discomfort continues, other causes may need assessment. Arrange prompt review for repeated vomiting, declining appetite, unexplained weight loss or increasingly persistent pain.
Recognise urgent complications
Vomiting blood, coffee-ground material or passing black, tarry stool needs urgent medical care, especially with faintness. Sudden severe abdominal pain also needs urgent assessment. During treatment, breathing difficulty or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat may be a serious allergic reaction requiring emergency help.