What are the symptoms of children infected with Helicobacter pylori?

Written by Lian Wen Xi
Pediatrics
Updated on April 20, 2025
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Children infected with Helicobacter pylori typically show no symptoms initially, but may later develop chronic gastritis and gastrointestinal ulcers. Clinical manifestations mainly include vomiting, nausea, abdominal distension, acid reflux, and abdominal pain, and may even present symptoms such as bloody stools or vomiting blood. If a child is infected with Helicobacter pylori but exhibits mild symptoms, treatment can focus solely on the infection. However, if there are gastrointestinal ulcers or repeated gastrointestinal discomfort, treatment should include antibiotics along with medications that suppress stomach acid production. Treatment duration usually lasts about one to two months, depending on the specific condition of the child.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Which department checks for Helicobacter pylori?

Current research suggests that Helicobacter pylori infection is the primary cause of various gastric diseases. It is best to visit the gastroenterology department of a hospital to check for Helicobacter pylori, where a Carbon-14 breath test can be conducted to determine the amount of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach. If there is a high quantity of bacteria, or if there are gastrointestinal diseases present, one might consider a treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. This generally involves the use of two types of antibiotics along with a gastric mucosal protector or a medication that inhibits stomach acid secretion. It is also important to regularly follow up, maintain a regular diet, and avoid spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can you eat sweets during the treatment for Helicobacter pylori?

During the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, it is permissible to eat sweets. During this period, it is necessary to avoid spicy and irritating foods, as well as avoid drinking strong alcohol, strong tea, coffee, and so on. It is recommended to consume more fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, as well as nutritious and light foods. Smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided, and meals should be regular and in measured quantities. Since sweet foods are not considered spicy or irritating, they can be consumed during the treatment of Helicobacter pylori. After the treatment of a Helicobacter pylori infection, it is necessary to wait one month after stopping the medication before a follow-up examination to confirm whether the bacteria have been completely eradicated.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
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Can a gastroscopy detect Helicobacter pylori?

Since Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacterium, it cannot be seen with the naked eye. However, current research indicates that Helicobacter pylori is strongly associated with certain mucosal appearances under endoscopy. Therefore, endoscopists can infer the presence of an infection based on certain mucosal appearances observed during the procedure. However, if the only purpose is to test for Helicobacter pylori infection without needing a gastroscopy, then we can opt for non-invasive methods such as the carbon-13 urea breath test, carbon-14 urea breath test, stool antigen test, and serological antibody tests, which are commonly used methods of testing. Moreover, after treatment for Helicobacter pylori, it is recommended to use either the carbon-13 or carbon-14 urea breath test for examination.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Do normal people have Helicobacter pylori?

In my understanding, a “normal person” refers to individuals who do not experience any stomach discomfort. In our country, the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori is extremely high, with reports indicating that over 50% of adults are infected, albeit asymptomatically. Thus, it is certain that many so-called "normal people" are infected with Helicobacter pylori, also known as asymptomatic Helicobacter pylori carriers. This condition also requires antibacterial treatment because there is a close relationship between Helicobacter pylori and gastritis, ulcers, and gastric cancer. Even for patients with chronic superficial gastritis, if Helicobacter pylori is present, eradication therapy is advocated. If not completely eradicated, it often leads to the development of chronic atrophic gastritis, which is a more serious condition.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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How to treat Helicobacter pylori infection?

Helicobacter pylori has been confirmed as a major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer. The infection rate of Helicobacter pylori in China is very high, exceeding 50%. It is related to the dietary structure in China, often linked significantly to the practice of sharing dishes during meals, which correlates with China's dietary habits. If someone tests positive for Helicobacter pylori and has symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, such as indigestion, stomach pain, or bloating, then it is necessary to undergo treatment for Helicobacter pylori. The current standard treatment for Helicobacter pylori involves quadruple therapy: a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent. This combination of medications is administered over a period of 14 days, representing the standardized treatment for Helicobacter pylori.