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Peptic Ulcer in Children

By

Jaime Belkind-Gerson

, MD, MSc, University of Colorado

Reviewed/Revised Nov 2023
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Topic Resources

A peptic ulcer is a round or oval sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum where it has been eroded by stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

  • Sores form in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.

  • Symptoms in children include gnawing pain in the abdomen and vomiting.

  • The diagnosis is based on endoscopy and sometimes imaging tests.

  • Treatment includes medications to reduce stomach acid and sometimes antibiotics.

Ulcers penetrate into the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Ulcers develop when the normal defense and repair mechanisms of the lining of the stomach or duodenum are weakened, making the lining more likely to be damaged by stomach acid.

Children whose parents have peptic ulcers are more likely to have ulcers especially if their parents are infected with Helicobacter pylori.

Exposure to secondhand smoke is another risk factor for ulcers in children. Adolescents who drink alcohol or smoke are also more likely to develop ulcers.

Children of any age can develop ulcers when they are extremely sick, such as after severe burns, injuries, and illnesses. These ulcers are referred to as stress ulcers.

Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer

Diagnosis of Peptic Ulcer

  • Endoscopy

  • For complications, imaging tests

Doctors diagnose peptic ulcer based on the results of an endoscopy Endoscopy Endoscopy is an examination of internal structures using a flexible viewing tube (endoscope). In addition to examinations, doctors can use endoscopy to do biopsies and give treatment. Endoscopes... read more . During this test, a flexible viewing tube (endoscope) is inserted through the child's mouth and down the esophagus into the stomach and first part of the duodenum. With an endoscope, a doctor can also do a biopsy (removal of a tissue sample for examination under a microscope) to determine whether an ulcer is caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Stool tests and breath tests can also be done to detect Helicobacter pylori.

Treatment of Peptic Ulcer

  • Reduction of stomach acid

  • For Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotics and medications to reduce stomach acid

The main goal of peptic ulcer treatment is to reduce stomach acid. Medications that reduce acid include proton pump inhibitors, histamine-2 (H2) blockers, and antacids (see table ). It is also important to reduce things that increase acid production. For example, children should be kept away from caffeine and secondhand smoke.

Children who are infected with Helicobacter pylori are given antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria and a proton pump inhibitor to reduce stomach acid.

Surgery may be needed if a complication is present or if the ulcers return.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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