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Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that infects the stomach lining. It is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide, affecting approximately half of the global population. H. pylori is typically acquired in childhood and can persist for life if untreated. The bacteria survive in the harsh acidic environment of the stomach by burrowing into the protective mucus layer and producing substances that neutralize surrounding acid.
While many people with H. pylori have no symptoms, the infection is the leading cause of peptic ulcers (responsible for 60-80% of gastric ulcers and 90-95% of duodenal ulcers), a major cause of chronic gastritis, and a recognized risk factor for gastric (stomach) cancer and MALT lymphoma. The World Health Organization classifies H. pylori as a Group 1 carcinogen -- a definite cause of cancer in humans.
At his Flushing, Queens practice, Dr. Jing Tong provides comprehensive H. pylori testing using multiple methods -- including breath testing, stool antigen testing, blood antibody testing, and endoscopic biopsy with rapid urease test. His Johns Hopkins training ensures he stays current with the latest evidence-based eradication regimens, which is particularly important given rising antibiotic resistance patterns. Dr. Tong always confirms successful eradication with follow-up testing.
Dull or burning ache in the upper abdomen, often worse on empty stomach
Frequent bloating and excessive burping
Persistent nausea and reduced appetite
Unintended weight loss due to poor appetite
Black/tarry stools indicating possible ulcer bleeding
Many carriers have no symptoms at all
Dr. Tong offers multiple testing methods: urea breath test (non-invasive, highly accurate), stool antigen test, blood antibody test, and endoscopic biopsy with rapid urease test. The choice depends on your clinical situation.
If H. pylori is confirmed, Dr. Tong prescribes a targeted antibiotic regimen -- typically triple or quadruple therapy lasting 10-14 days. He selects the most effective regimen based on local resistance patterns and your medical history.
For patients with alarm symptoms, Dr. Tong performs HD gastroscopy to check for ulcers, gastritis, or other complications. His therapeutic endoscopy expertise allows immediate treatment of any bleeding ulcers found.
After completing antibiotic therapy, Dr. Tong performs follow-up testing (breath test or stool test) at least 4 weeks later to confirm successful eradication. If the first regimen fails, a different antibiotic combination is prescribed.
Current with the latest evidence-based eradication protocols and resistance-guided therapy approaches.
Breath test, stool test, blood test, and endoscopic biopsy options to ensure accurate diagnosis for every patient.
English, Mandarin, and Shanghainese for clear antibiotic instructions and dietary guidance.
Centrally located on Roosevelt Avenue, accessible by 7 train, LIRR, and bus from across Queens and NYC.
H. pylori is spread person-to-person through oral-oral or fecal-oral routes, typically during childhood. It can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person. It is more common in crowded living conditions.
Current guidelines recommend treating all confirmed H. pylori infections, even in asymptomatic patients. Treatment reduces the risk of peptic ulcers, gastritis, and stomach cancer. Dr. Tong follows the latest ACG (American College of Gastroenterology) guidelines.
First-line therapy cures H. pylori in approximately 80-90% of patients. If the first regimen fails, second-line therapy using different antibiotics has a similar success rate. Dr. Tong always confirms eradication with follow-up testing.
Reinfection rates are low in the United States, approximately 1-2% per year after successful eradication. Dr. Tong confirms cure with post-treatment testing and can monitor for reinfection if symptoms recur.
Testing household members is generally recommended if they have GI symptoms. Dr. Tong can advise on family screening based on your specific situation and risk factors.
Schedule H. pylori testing with Dr. Jing Tong at our Flushing, Queens office.
