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Pediatric H. Pylori Infection
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 Pediatric H. Pylori Infection?
H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is a common, spiral-shaped bacteria that lives in the stomach lining and upper part of the small intestine. Because H. pylori is covered by mucus, your child’s immune system can’t attack it and get rid of it.
H. pylori often causes no symptoms or problems. However, in some children it can cause stomach ulcers or inflammation in the stomach or small intestine.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric 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. They can be a sign of H. Pylori or other gastrointestinal problems.
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 tests 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 causes Pediatric H. Pylori Infection?
Your child can get H. pylori infection by coming into contact with an infected person’s saliva or stool. They may also get it by eating or drinking contaminated food and water.
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.
What can I expect during Pediatric H. Pylori Infection?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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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.