Helicobacter pylori, commonly known as H. pylori, is a spiral-shaped bacterium that can infect the stomach. H. pylori is a common concern for parents, and children can indeed contract it. This bacterium can damage stomach tissue and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum, leading to inflammation and potentially open sores called peptic ulcers. While many individuals, including children, may carry the bacteria without experiencing any issues, its presence can cause various digestive problems.
How H. pylori Spreads Among Children
H. pylori transmission in children often occurs through person-to-person contact, particularly within families. While health experts are not entirely certain about all transmission routes, it is believed the bacteria can pass from one person’s mouth to another. Transmission can also happen through the fecal-oral route, meaning germs are ingested from contact with infected stool.
The bacteria can also be acquired by consuming food that was not properly cleaned or cooked, or by drinking water contaminated with the bacteria. Poor hygiene habits, such as not washing hands thoroughly after using the bathroom, can increase the risk of infection. Living in crowded conditions or areas with poor sanitation are also recognized risk factors.
Recognizing Symptoms in Children
Many children infected with H. pylori show no symptoms; only 5% to 10% experience them. When symptoms do appear, they typically relate to inflammation of the stomach lining, known as gastritis, or peptic ulcers. Common symptoms include a dull or gnawing abdominal pain, often in the upper abdomen, occurring a few hours after eating or at night. This pain can last for minutes to hours and may come and go over several days or weeks.
Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, burping, and a loss of appetite. Some children may also experience unexplained weight loss or feel full after eating little food. Parents should seek medical attention if their child experiences persistent symptoms, severe abdominal pain, or concerning signs like bloody vomit or dark, tarry stools, indicating bleeding in the digestive tract.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing H. pylori in children involves several methods. Healthcare providers often begin with a health history and physical exam. Non-invasive tests include stool antigen tests, looking for bacterial antigens in a stool sample, and urea breath tests, detecting carbon dioxide produced by the bacteria after a child drinks a special fluid. While generally reliable, breath tests in children younger than six years may have a higher rate of false positives.
In some cases, an upper endoscopy (EGD) may be performed, involving a thin, lighted tube with a camera inserted into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to visualize the lining. During an endoscopy, a small tissue sample (biopsy) can be taken for microscopic examination to detect infection or H. pylori. Treatment typically involves a combination of medications to eradicate the bacteria and reduce stomach acid. This often includes a two-week course of two different antibiotics combined with an acid-suppressing medication like a proton pump inhibitor. Completing the full course of treatment is important for successful eradication.