Most H. pylori infections do not cause symptoms. Symptoms usually appear only if the infection leads to ulcers or inflammation in the stomach or small intestine. If symptoms do happen, they can vary from mild to more serious.

The most prevalent symptom of H. pylori is gnawing or burning stomach pain between the breastbone and belly button. Often feels better after eating, but then comes back about two to three hours later. It can come and go for days or weeks, even waking a child at night when their stomach is empty.

Other common symptoms include:

• Bloating or a full feeling
• Burping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Tiredness or weakness
• Bleeding in the digestive tract (may show as black stools or vomiting blood)

These are common symptoms that may be due to other conditions. It’s important to talk to your child’s doctor for a proper diagnosis.

H. pylori infection can lead to serious side effects if untreated. The most common problems include:

• Bleeding: Erosion of the lining of the stomach or duodenal wall can damage blood vessels, causing bleeding.
• Perforation: An ulcer can become a hole through the wall of the gut. This lets bacteria and partially digested food into the sterile abdominal cavity. This can cause peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal cavity and wall.
• Narrowing and obstruction: Ulcers at the end of the stomach can cause swelling and scarring. This can narrow or close the intestinal opening. It prevents food from leaving the stomach, resulting in vomiting.

Your child’s care team will tailor their treatment plan based on a number of factors. These include your child's age, health, medical history, unique diagnosis and tolerance for treatments.

Lifestyle changes

No particular diet is helpful for most ulcer patients. If it seems that certain foods cause irritation, please discuss the problem with your kid’s care team.

Some kids and teens smoke, with or without their parents' knowledge or permission. Smoking can delay ulcer healing and may lead to ulcers coming back.

Medications

H. Pylori infection treatment includes three to four medicines for a 14-day period.

Medicines include:

• Mucosal protective agents: To protect the stomach's mucous lining from damage.
• Proton pump inhibitors: To block stomach acid production.
• Bismuth: To improve eradication rates.
• Antibiotics: To kill the H. pylori bacteria.

Surgery

In most cases, these medicines heal ulcers quickly and effectively. Getting rid of the H. pylori infection prevents most ulcers from recurring. However, rarely kids don’t respond to medicine. In this case, it's possible they’ll need surgery.

Nationally ranked: U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks our GI Program as among the nation’s best. We provide the best possible care for the diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori in kids. Our team of experts can help you and your family manage your child’s ulcers.

Child-friendly testing: We can quickly test for common infections, so your child gets the right care without delay. We use noninvasive tests whenever possible and make procedures like endoscopy easier with kid-sized care and support.

Expert clinical care: Our pediatric GI experts know how to treat digestive infections in kids of all ages. Our diverse team is widely known as one of the largest and most well-rounded pediatric GI teams in the country.

Focus on kids: We know that kids need different care than adults. Our team at Children’s Wisconsin has expertise in managing diverse GI issues in infants, kids and teens. We take a whole-child approach to care. We’re always thinking about your child’s growth, physical and emotional development and age-related social issues.

Education and emotional support: We support your family at every stage of care. We teach you about your child’s digestive issues and explain what to expect. Our care team works with you and your family to manage the physical and emotional impacts of GI disease.