Are there any risks involved in the investigations?

There are no real risks involved in the breath or blood tests used to detect H. pylori.

There are also no real risks associated with a barium meal examination. The exposure to X-rays is very small and harmless. Some people find the taste and texture of the barium solution slightly unpleasant.

Because endoscopy is a painless procedure and does not interfere with normal breathing, most people cope very well with the examination. Special care is taken with older people and those with serious lung or heart conditions to make sure they have no problems.