Helicobacter pylori: a very frequent infection in school age
Helicobacter pylori is the bacterium that most often produces inflammation of the stomach and duodenum, as well as ulcers at that level. It is a very common condition in children of school age and its most evident symptom is stomach pain. In Guiainfantil.com we tell you how to know if your child is
Helicobacter pylori is the bacterium that most often produces inflammation of the stomach and duodenum, as well as ulcers at that level. It is a very common condition in children of school age and its most evident symptom is stomach pain. In Guiainfantil.com we tell you how to know if your child is infected and what to do.
Questions and answers about Helicobacter pylori infection in children
1. Is it the same to have "an infection" than to have "an illness due to this infection"?
False. They are two different concepts:
-Infection is defined as the presence of a potentially problematic microorganism in the human body.
"Disease due to an infection" is defined as the presence of symptoms and signs derived from the action of that microorganism. In many cases, Helicobacter pylori produces an infection but not a disease.
2. Is Helicobacter pylori infection common?
Yes. In developed countries, it is estimated that it affects 25-30% of children of school age. This figure is higher in developing countries.
3. What diseases can H. pylori infection cause?
Inflammation and ulcer, both in the stomach and in the duodenum.
4. What is a gastritis? What is an ulcer?
A gastritis is inflammation of the stomach, and an ulcer is a wound.
5. Is the percentage of children infected with Helicobacter pylori who develop these diseases very high?
No. The infection is very frequent, but the disease occurs only in a small percentage of patients.
6. What is the route of transmission of this bacterium?
The exact mechanism is unknown. Different routes have been proposed, such as oral-oral, gastric-oral and fecal-oral.
7. How can I tell if my child's gut pain is due to an ulcer?
-It manifests in the upper abdomen (under the sternum).
-It is oppressive, as if squeezed with a fist.
- Start with meals.
- It is accompanied by vomiting, weight loss, early satiety (quickly "feel full"), burning.
8. Is it true that there are children with gastritis who do not have a sore stomach?
Indeed. Gastritis does not always hurt. Sometimes we see it in completely asymptomatic children.
9. Are there families that suffer more stomach problems than others?
Indeed. There is probably a predisposing factor that makes certain families more vulnerable to developing Helicobacter pylori disease.
10. How are gastritis and ulcers diagnosed?
Through a test called digestive endoscopy. This test consists in introducing through the mouth a tube at the end of which there is a camera. The same is made to progress through the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The tube has a working channel through which samples can be obtained to grow and analyze under a microscope. Today, endoscopies are done under sedation, with the child asleep.
11. Do gastritis and ulcers have treatment?
Yes. The treatment consists of taking a combination of drugs for 10-14 days, which includes antisecretory drugs (omeprazole) and at least two antibiotics (amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, etc.).
12. How can you tell if the infection with Helicobacter pylori has disappeared?
Through non-invasive tests, such as the breath test or the detection of bacteria in feces. These tests have to be done two months after finishing the treatment.
