The diagnosis of H. pylori infection in children typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. Common diagnostic methods include:
Urea breath test: A non-invasive test that detects H. pylori by measuring carbon isotopes in the breath. Stool antigen test: Detects H. pylori antigens in a stool sample. Blood antibody test: Identifies antibodies against H. pylori, though it may not distinguish between current and past infections. Endoscopy with biopsy: Allows direct visualization of the stomach lining and collection of tissue samples for testing.
