Gastritis in Children
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach. There are two kinds of gastritis:
- Acute gastritis. This kind develops suddenly.
- Chronic gastritis. This kind lasts for a long time
Gastritis happens when the lining of the stomach becomes irritated or damaged. Without treatment, gastritis can lead to stomach bleeding and ulcers.
What are the causes?
This condition may be caused by:
- An infection.
- Certain types of medicines. These include steroids, antibiotics, and some over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
- A disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the body (autoimmune disease), such as Crohn disease.
- Allergic reaction.
Sometimes, the cause of this condition is not known.
What are the signs or symptoms?
You child may not have any symptoms. Symptoms in infants and young children may include:
- Unusual fussiness.
- Feeding problems or a decreased appetite.
- Nausea or vomiting.
Symptoms in older children may include:
- Pain at the top of the abdomen or around the belly button.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Indigestion.
- Decreased appetite
- A bloated feeling.
- Belching.
In severe cases, children may vomit red or coffee-colored blood or pass stools (feces) that are bright red or black.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with a medical history, a physical exam, or tests. Tests may include:
- A test in which a sample of tissue is taken for testing (gastric biopsy).
- Blood tests.
- A test in which a thin, flexible instrument with a light and a tiny camera on the end is passed down the esophagus and into the stomach (upper endoscopy).
- Stool tests.
How is this treated?
Treatment depends on the cause of your child’s gastritis. If your child has a bacterial infection, he or she may be prescribed antibiotic medicine. If your child’s gastritis is caused by too much acid in the stomach, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, or antacids may be given. Your child’s health care provider may recommend that you stop giving your child certain medicines, such as ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.
Follow these instructions at home:
- If your child was prescribed an antibiotic, give it as told by your child’s health care provider. Do notstop giving the antibiotic even if your child starts to feel better.
- Give
over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s
health care provider.
- Do not give your child NSAIDs or medicines that irritate the stomach.
- Do notgive your child aspirin because of the association with Reye syndrome.
- Have your child eat small, frequent meals instead of large meals.
- Have your child avoid foods and drinks that make symptoms worse.
- Have your child drink enough fluid to keep his or her urine pale yellow.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your child’s condition gets worse.
- Your child loses weight or has no appetite.
- Your child is nauseous and vomits.
- Your child has a fever.
Get help right away if:
- Your child vomits red blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
- Your child is light-headed or passes out (faints).
- Your child has bright red or black and tarry stools.
- Your child vomits repeatedly.
- Your child has severe abdomen (abdominal) pain, or the abdomen is tender to the touch.
- Your child has chest pain or shortness of breath.
- Your child who is younger than 3 months has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher.
Summary
- Gastritis happens when the lining of the stomach becomes weak or gets damaged.
- Symptoms in infants and children include abdomen (abdominal) pain, a decreased appetite, and nausea or vomiting.
- This condition is diagnosed with a medical history, a physical exam, or tests.
