Medications to suppress gastric acid are often used in children for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. We are learning more about potential side effects of these medications including Clostridium difficile infection and small bowel bacterial overgrowth which may be due to the underlying effect of these medications on the intestinal microbiome. The microbiome of a child develops in the first few years of life and so young children may be particularly vulnerable to these medications. We are examining the gut microbiome of young children before and after using these medications. This will give insight into possible mechanisms for reported side effects and may give data to guide appropriate use of these commonly used medications in childhood.

This study is for patients with newly diagnosed, localized, and advanced Head and Squamous Cell Carcinoma and whose doctor has recommended surgery.