Pediatric H. Pylori Breath Test

What is Pediatric H. Pylori Breath Test?

H. Pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is a bacteria that can live in the stomach. It can cause ulcers and/or swelling of the stomach and esophagus. H. Pylori may cause your child to have nausea, vomiting, burping, stomach pain, and/or to lose weight. A H. Pylori breath test tests for this bacteria.

What can I expect during Pediatric H. Pylori Breath Test?

This test is short and pain free.

  • First, a nurse will ask your child to blow into a small bag. This will be the “baseline” breath sample.
  • Then the nurse will ask your child to drink a special liquid through a straw.
  • After 15 minutes the nurse will ask your child to blow into another bag. This will be the “test” breath sample. Both of these breath samples will be sent to special lab for testing.

The lab will send your doctor a report with your child’s test results in about a week. After you leave our office, your child may have liquids, food, and medicines as normal.

How do I prepare my child for Pediatric H. Pylori Breath Test?

Please tell us if your child is allergic to Phenylalanine.

  • Your child should have nothing by mouth for 1 hour before the test (this means no food, liquids, gum, or medicines)
  • Your child should not take the any of these medicines for 14 days before the test:
    • Carafate, bismuth, Pepto-Bismol®
    • Nexium® (esomeprazol)
    • Prevacid® (lansoprazole)
    • Prilosec® (omeprazole)
    • Protonix® (pantoprazole)
    • Zantac® (ranitidine)
    • Antibiotics of any kind

Do not stop giving your child medicines until you talk to your child’s doctor to be sure it is OK.

Resources

Children's Resources

  • Getting Ready for H. Pylori Breath Test
    Print friendly version: English | Spanish

Other Resources