Stomach Ulcer in Children Information

If your child continually complains of a stomach ache and describes it as a "burning" sensation, he might have a stomach ulcer. Stomach ulcers, known as peptic ulcers in the medical community, need quick treatment, because if left alone they can cause infections, internal bleeding and scar tissue.

Causes

• Ulcers in children can be caused by an infection of Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that destroys the mucous that lines the stomach and small intestine, stress after serious injury or a medical condition, or extended use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to control other medical conditions.

Types

• Children can experience gastric ulcers, which are ulcers in the stomach, or duodenal ulcers, which are ulcers in the small intestine.

Symptoms

• Ulcers cause nausea, vomiting, chest pain, loss of appetite, burning between the chest and belly button, blood in the stool or vomit, frequent burping or hiccups and weight loss. Parents should know that these signs can indicate conditions other than ulcers, so they are always a reason to call the child's doctor.

Diagnosis

• Diagnostic techniques used to diagnose pediatric ulcers include performing an upper gastrointestinal series, an upper endoscopy and a pH probe. If these tests show an ulcer, the doctor will test for Helicobacter pylori to determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment

• Children who have ulcers from a bacterial infection are treated with antibiotics and an acid suppressor. Most ulcers caused by stress and NSAIDs can be treated with acid suppressors, but severe ulcers may require surgical repair.

Home Care

• Children should avoid taking NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or aspirin, and caffeine should be avoided because it increases stomach acid. Other foods are fine unless they appear to upset the child's stomach further.