Helicobacter in Children

Helicobacter, also referred to as H.pylori, are bacteria that affect the stomach. Their spiral shape and the way they move allow them to break through the stomach’s protective lining. The bacteria then produce material that neutralizes the stomach’s acids and makes the stomach more susceptible to ulcers. Helicobacter also can attach to stomach cells and cause inflammation. They may also cause the stomach to produce high levels of acid. According to the International Journal of Gastroenterology, these bacteria are more likely to occur in children than in adults and are much more prevalent in developing countries.

Causes

• Researchers aren’t completely sure how children develop a helicobacter infection. They suspect it may be contagious, spreading from person to person through infected saliva, vomit or stool. The infection often runs through families and is more likely to occur in crowded or unsanitary conditions. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infected water, family cats and houseflies also could spread the disease to your child. Some scientists suspect certain ethnicities may be more susceptible. In North America, the disease occurs more frequently in Asian Americans, African Americans and Hispanics.

Symptoms

• The presence of helicobacter bacteria does not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, your child may vomit, feel nauseous or have stomach pains. Since many illnesses can cause these symptoms, the pediatrician will need to test your child to determine infection. However, helicobacter can lead to stomach ulcers that are easier to diagnose. Ulcers cause a burning, gnawing pain below the ribs and above the navel. The pain usually gets worse on an empty stomach. If your child has thick, dark black stools or dark vomit, he may have a bleeding ulcer.

Diagnosis

• To determine if helicobacter is present, a pediatrician will test your child’s blood, breath, stool or tissue. According to the AAP, the best way to test for helicobacter is through tissue samples. For this test, the pediatrician will sedate your child and then lead a small tube with an attached camera down her throat and to her stomach. This allows the doctor to see the stomach lining and take samples. Although blood tests are easier and don’t require sedation, the results won’t show if the infection is active. Breath tests require your child to drink a solution that detects carbon, an indicator of helicobacter infection. These tests can be difficult for young children and don’t show the severity of the infection. Stool tests also can’t indicate severity.

Treatment

• The pediatrician will prescribe a combination of antibiotics because one antibiotic usually isn’t strong enough to kill the bacteria. If the doctor suspects internal bleeding, your child will be treated in the hospital. Eliminating helicobacter and the ulcers that can develop may require prolonged treatment but these diseases are usually curable.

Relieving Symptoms

• The pain caused by this infection is often worse on an empty stomach. You can help soothe stomach pain by giving your child smaller meals more frequently. Having your child rest after each meal may also help. You also should avoid giving your child aspirin, ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory drugs since these can irritate his stomach or cause bleeding.

Considerations

• If left untreated, helicobacter can lead to other digestive illnesses and possibly stomach cancer. However, most childhood stomachaches are not caused by helicobacter. It’s more likely that your child has indigestion, a virus, or may be feeling tense or worried. The incidence rate in North America is so low that the AAP does not recommend testing for this infection unless your child also has an ulcer.