Stomach ulcers in children | healthcareonline

Stomach ulcers are also called peptic ulcers and can occur in children, although they are rare. Although stomach ulcers are closely related to a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), they are sometimes secondary to more serious diseases, such as cancer. Diagnosis in children is slightly different from that in adults. This is because some tests cannot provide reliable results. Uncomplicated cases are often easily treated with antibiotics and other oral medications.

unless there is a serious cause The risk of complications from a stomach ulcer is low (1% to 2%), and The risk of death is also lower (0.001%). But the fact that there is a low death rate doesn’t mean that knowing all the information you’ll find below isn’t important.

symptom

A stomach ulcer is simply an open sore that forms in the stomach lining. Stomach ulcers are called peptic ulcers. while ulcers that spread to the small intestine are called duodenal ulcers. Signs of a stomach ulcer include:

• Burning pain in the stomach
• gas and bloating
• nausea or vomiting
• loss of appetite
• fatigue

Stomach ulcers often cause pain shortly after eating. On the other hand, pain from a duodenal ulcer usually occurs only 2-3 hours later. A stomach ulcer can be considered serious if the pain is severe and specific. Instead of being painful and boring This may be an indication that the ulcer is bleeding. This is often accompanied by blood in the stool or tarry stool. or vomiting blood or coffee-like particles.

Complications of stomach ulcers can include malnutrition. Stomach perforation and intestinal obstruction (caused by inflammation of the duodenum) Blockage and perforation are medical emergencies that require immediate attention. This is often caused by: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, genetics, stressful events, obesity, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. May include other conditions as well.

Diagnosing peptic ulcers in children can be difficult.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing peptic ulcers in children can be difficult. This is because some tests used in adults, such as the H. pylori antibody blood test, are less accurate in children. In general, The doctor will begin the investigation with minimally invasive tests. unless the symptoms are severe such as stool or breath antigen tests.

Negative results from these tests may allow the doctor to rule out a gastrointestinal disorder as the cause. and avoid more invasive procedures. If the test results are positive and symptoms are severe A procedure called an upper endoscopy will be ordered. Determination of preferred diagnostic method An endoscopy involves inserting a flexible fiberoptic endoscope into the throat to view the lining of the stomach. It is performed under mild sedation. It can also be used to remove tissue samples for laboratory evaluation. Side effects include sore throat, indigestion, heartburn and nausea. Infection, perforation, or bleeding can occur but is rare.

A barium x-ray, also called a barium swallow, is much less invasive but less accurate. Especially if the stomach ulcer is small. It involves swallowing a chalky liquid that contains barium. They line the stomach and help better identify abnormalities on X-rays. Side effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

treatment

If a stomach ulcer is related to H. pylori, your doctor will prescribe a combination of medications to clear up the infection and normalize stomach acid levels so the stomach can heal. But whether the doctor chooses one type of treatment or another will depend on the cause. He may also recommend dietary changes. lifestyle improvements and even surgery in the most serious cases.