Ulcer Symptoms in Children

Ulcer is a condition when ulcerations or sores develop in the inner lining of the stomach. It is believed that only adults suffer from ulcers, which is incorrect. Children can also suffer from ulcers which is caused due to bacteria known as H. pylori. In case of adults, ulcers are caused due to alcohol consumption, stress and having spicy foods. However, the bacterial infection of H. pylori is the prominent and only reasons for causing ulcer in children. There are different types of ulcers like stomach ulcer (gastric ulcer), duodenal ulcer, esophageal ulcer, etc.

Symptoms of Ulcers in Children

One of the important thing to note is that peptic and stomach ulcer symptoms are similar to the symptoms of many other gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. Therefore, it is essential to be careful and get the condition diagnosed immediately if any of the following symptoms appear. Abdominal pain is the most significant symptom of ulcer. This pain is of the specific type; it is experienced in the area below the breast bone and above the navel. Secondly, the pain is prominently experienced in between meals. Following are other symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Burning sensation in stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Belching
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Diarrhea

As mentioned above, these symptoms are commonly found in many other diseases of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. However, the classic stomach ulcer symptoms include blood in vomit and stools. In fact, these symptoms appear as a complication developed due to ulcer.

Bleeding occurs when the lining of the stomach is damaged. Loss of appetite occurs due to improper eating habits, abdominal pain after eating, etc. Apart from this, duodenal ulcer symptoms in children include narrowing or obstruction in the intestine which prevents food from passing out. These are the complications that develop if the ulcer remains undiagnosed and untreated for a longer period of time. Complications due to ulcer is an emergency and needs to be treated immediately. Therefore, if any of the above mentioned symptoms are observed, parents or caretakers should immediately consult the doctor.

Treatment of Ulcers

The doctor will undertake physical examination, X-ray or MRI, or endoscopy for the diagnose of the condition. There are several prescription medications that help in treating this condition. Antacids, Proton pump inhibitors help in treating stomach ulcers. Antibiotics are also prescribed to get rid of the bacteria in the body. Apart from these, the doctor will prescribe medications to treat all other ulcer symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, etc. In severe cases, if children do not respond to medications, a surgery (Gastrectomy) may be required to treat ulcers.

Along with the traditional treatment method, it is also essential to make changes in the lifestyle to treat peptic ulcers and prevent them from occurring in the future. It is recommended to stay away from hot and spicy food, soda, acidic foods, beverages, etc. until the disease is completely treated and also for 1-2 weeks after that. You can consult the doctor for a proper gastrectomy diet, and he will advise you on foods to eat and foods to avoid.

Lastly, one should remember that all types of ulcers can be effectively treated if proper treatment is undertaken. Therefore, one should not ignore any symptoms, but consult the doctor as soon as possible. Take care!