When children with H. pylori infections have symptoms, they may feel a burning pain in their stomach that comes and goes. This pain is more likely between meals and usually goes away when the child is eating or drinking. Pain may occur in the middle of the night, when the stomach is empty. Symptoms also may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Bloating
- Frequent burping
Some H. pylori symptoms may signal a more serious problem such as a perforated ulcer. This happens when the ulcer penetrates all the way through the wall of the stomach or duodenum. Go to the hospital right away if your child has:
- Sharp, sudden, persistent stomach pain
- Bloody or black stools
- Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
