Pediatric H. pylori infection

Q: 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.

Q: If my child’s symptoms go away, can I stop giving them antibiotics?

No. Make sure your child takes all of their antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Not taking all of an antibiotic prescription can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Q: 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 acetaminophen for pain.

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 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.

Overview

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.

Signs and Symptoms

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.

Diagnosis

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

Causes

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.

Treatment

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
Your child may also be asked to take an anti-diarrhea medicine 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.