Condition
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in Children
Testing and treating a common but often missed cause of persistent stomach pain, nausea, and reflux in children.
H. pylori is a bacterium that can colonize the stomach lining and lead to gastritis, ulcers, and chronic abdominal pain. In children, it often looks like vague stomachaches that come and go for months.
Dr. Mendez uses non-invasive testing where appropriate and, when indicated, confirms diagnosis at the time of upper endoscopy. Treatment is tailored to your child's age, prior antibiotic exposure, and family situation.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms
- Persistent stomach pain, often in the upper abdomen
- Nausea or unexplained vomiting
- Early satiety or poor appetite
- Reflux-like symptoms that do not respond to standard care
- Iron-deficiency anemia without obvious cause
- Family history of H. pylori or peptic ulcer disease
Our Approach
How we treat it
- Detailed history to weigh test versus empiric treatment.
- Stool antigen or breath testing when appropriate.
- Endoscopy with biopsy when symptoms warrant direct evaluation.
- Antibiotic regimens chosen with resistance patterns and tolerability in mind.
- Confirmation of eradication after treatment.
When to Reach Out
When to call a pediatric GI
- Stomach pain that has persisted for more than a few weeks.
- Nausea or vomiting that interferes with school or eating.
- A close family member recently diagnosed with H. pylori.
- Reflux symptoms not improving on standard therapy.
Ready to talk it through?
Concierge access means we have the time to listen, evaluate carefully, and stay with your family through every step.