Do children with positive Helicobacter pylori need treatment

The need for treatment for children with positive helicobacter pylori infection should be evaluated comprehensively based on symptoms and the risk of complications. asymptomatic infections usually do not require immediate treatment, but if there are conditions such as gastric ulcers, recurrent abdominal pain, anemia, or a family history of gastric cancer, it is recommended to undergo standardized treatment under the guidance of a doctor. Helicobacter pylori infection is more common in children, and some children may only present with mild bloating or decreased appetite. Such situations can be observed and followed up by adjusting dietary structure, supplementing probiotics, and other methods. It is recommended to have small and frequent meals, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and increase fruits rich in vitamin C such as kiwi and oranges to help enhance the ability of gastric mucosal repair. Pay attention to serving of individual dishes every day to avoid cross infection, and regularly recheck breath test to monitor changes in flora. When children experience persistent upper abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting, slow weight gain, black stool, and other warning symptoms, it suggests the possibility of gastric duodenal ulcer or severe gastric mucosal lesions. At this time, the degree of damage needs to be determined through gastroscopy examination, and eradication treatment should be carried out using bismuth containing quadruple therapy. Commonly used drugs include colloidal pectin bismuth capsules, amoxicillin granules, clarithromycin tablets, and omeprazole enteric coated capsules. During the treatment period, parents should strictly follow the doctor's advice to complete the entire medication process, avoid stopping medication without authorization and causing drug resistance, and observe adverse drug reactions such as diarrhea or rash. The treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in children requires individualized evaluation, and parents should avoid overtreatment due to anxiety or ignore potential risks. It is recommended to regularly monitor growth and development indicators, cultivate good hygiene habits, and screen family members simultaneously to reduce the probability of reinfection. If choosing not to treat temporarily, a carbon-13 breath test should be conducted every 6-12 months to assess the infection status.