Dallas
214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-8005
Plano
469-497-2505
F: 469-497-2511
Park Cities
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
Prosper
469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511
Pediatric helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
Helicobacter pylori (hel·i·co·bac·ter - py·lo·ri) or H. pylori is a common type of bacteria in the digestive tract that may lead to peptic ulcers or gastritis in some infected individuals. The pediatric gastroenterologists at Children's Health℠ are leaders in helping children overcome stomach issues that can affect how they eat and grow. Our expertise has earned a top pediatric specialty ranking by U.S. News and World Report. Using the latest technology and evidence-based care, we can help get rid of H. pylori infection so your child can get the nutrition they need to grow well and feel their best.
What is a pediatric helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria commonly occur in most people’s digestive tract. In many cases, H. pylori bacteria are harmless. However, in some people, the infection can lead to stomach or small intestine ulcers (called peptic ulcers) or gastritis (swelling of the lining of the stomach).
Most bacteria that invade our bodies are attacked and destroyed by the immune system. H. pylori bacteria, however, live in the stomach lining, where they are protected by mucus and unreachable by immune cells. Due to this, H. pylori bacteria can interfere with a child’s normal immune response and lead to stomach and other digestive problems.
What are the signs and symptoms of a pediatric helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection?
- Anemia (low blood counts)
- Blood in the stool
- Excessive burping
- Feeling of being bloated
- Fever
- Gnawing pain in the stomach that may come and go, or a severe, ongoing pain
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Never being hungry
- Trouble swallowing
- Unexplained, sudden weight loss
Many children infected with H. pylori have no symptoms. If your child shows any of these symptoms, contact your child’s pediatrician.
How is Pediatric H. Pylori Infection diagnosed?
The expert gastroenterologists at Children’s Health use non-invasive and minimally invasive tests to diagnose H. Pylori infection.
These tests may include:
- Stool tests to look for H. pylori
- Breath test to check hydrogen levels in your child’s breath
- Upper endoscopy exam using a small camera to look at your child’s stomach lining
What are the causes of a pediatric helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection?
H. pylori bacteria are spread from the mouth of an infected person to the mouth of another person. This bacterium can also be transferred via the feces of an infected person, such as when a child does not thoroughly wash their hands after using the restroom. It is also possible to contract this bacterium by ingesting contaminated water or food.
How is Pediatric H. Pylori Infection treated?
H. Pylori infection is treated with medicines.
Your child will take:
- A combination of antibiotics to kill the bacteria
- A stomach-acid reducing medication (called a proton-pump inhibitor) that allow ulcers to heal
- In addition to above your child may also be asked to take an anti-diarrhea medicine (called bismuth subsalicylate) that coats the inside of the stomach to protect it from acid while it heals
Your doctor may test your child after 4 weeks of treatment to make sure the infection is gone and their stomach has healed.
Pediatric helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection doctors and providers
-
Bradley Barth, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Michele Alkalay, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Amal Aqul, MD Pediatric Hepatologist -
Sarah Barlow, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Nandini Channabasappa, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Aakash Goyal, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Bhaskar Gurram, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Lauren Lazar, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Megha Mehta, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Derek Ngai, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Charina Ramirez, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Norberto Rodriguez-Baez, MD Pediatric Hepatologist -
Isabel Rojas Santamaria, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Rinarani Sanghavi, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Mhammad Gaith Semrin, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Luis Sifuentes-Dominguez, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
David Troendle, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Meghana Sathe, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist -
Phuong Luu, PA-C Physician Assistant - Gastroenterology -
Van Nguyen, APRN, PNP-PC Nurse Practitioner - Gastroenterology -
Jennifer Peacock, APRN, PNP-PC Nurse Practitioner - Gastroenterology -
Shabina Walji-Virani, APRN, PNP-PC Nurse Practitioner - Gastroenterology -
Christine Winser-Bean, APRN, FNP Nurse Practitioner - Gastroenterology
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is H. pylori infection common in children?
H. pylori infection is common in children. It is more common in areas without access to clean food and water.
-
If my child’s symptoms go away, can I stop giving them antibiotics?
No. Make sure your child takes all their antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Not taking all an antibiotic prescription can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
-
Can my child eat normally if they have H. pylori infection?
Your child may feel more comfortable eating 5 or 6 smaller meals instead of 3 regular meals. They can eat all their normal food. They should avoid pain relievers like naproxen sodium and ibuprofen and should instead consider Tylenol for pain.