Pediatric H. pylori infection

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

• 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.