What Are The Symptoms Of An Ulcer In A Child

Effects Of Crohns Disease And Ulcerative Colitis

Every person responds differently to IBD. The severity of symptoms will vary from time to time and from person to person. IBD is not a progressive disease . Rather, flare-ups can range from mild to severe and back to mild again. Some people will experience periods of relief from symptoms in between flare-ups.We cannot predict how long a person will stay free from symptoms, or when their next flare-up will occur. Some flare-ups settle down quite quickly with treatment. Other times, it may take months for a persons symptoms to respond to treatment.IBD interferes with a persons normal body functions. Signs and symptoms can include:

• pain in the abdomen

How We Care For Peptic Ulcers

The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Boston Children’s Hospital cares for infants, children, and young adults with gastrointestinal conditions like peptic ulcers. We provide the most comprehensive and leading-edge endoscopic services in the country for the care and treatment of peptic ulcers.

What Is The Treatment For An Ulcer

Most ulcers are easily curable with medication. The treatment involves:

• Medication to lower acid production for approximately 2 months

• Antibiotics to eradicate pylori bacteria for approximately 12 weeks

• Stopping or changing NSAIDs

Caffeine can stimulate the production of stomach acid and make an ulcer worse, so it is important to stop the consumption of sodas, teas, coffee, energy drinks, and chocolate.

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How Are Stomach Ulcers Diagnosed

Diagnosis and treatment will depend on your symptoms and the severity of your ulcer. To diagnose a stomach ulcer, your doctor will review your medical history along with your symptoms and any prescription or over-the-counter medications youre taking.

To rule out H. pylori infection, a blood, stool, or breath test may be ordered. With a breath test, youll be instructed to drink a clear liquid and breathe into a bag, which is then sealed. If H. pylori is present, the breath sample will contain higher-than-normal levels of carbon dioxide.

Other tests and procedures used to diagnose stomach ulcers include:

• Barium swallow: You drink a thick white liquid that coats your upper gastrointestinal tract and helps your doctor see your stomach and small intestine on X-rays.
• Endoscopy : A thin, lighted tube is inserted through your mouth and into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This test is used to look for ulcers, bleeding, and any tissue that looks abnormal.
• Endoscopic biopsy: A piece of stomach tissue is removed so it can be analyzed in a lab.

What Is Ulcerative Colitis Exactly

Ulcerative colitis is one of the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease . The other is Crohns disease. U.C. occurs when the immune system malfunctions, causing inflammation and ulcers to appear on the inner lining of the large intestine, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . Its not comfortable, to put it mildly, and not something that will clear up quickly.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic illness that does not yet have a medical cure. That doesnt mean nothing can be done though, so dont despair if youre experiencing symptoms. Sidhartha Sinha, M.D., a gastroenterologist, assistant professor at Stanford Medicine, and researcher who specializes in IBD, tells SELF that while there arent medical cures for ulcerative colitis, there are medical treatments. And we have made great advancements in these treatments, he says. The last resort is a surgical option called colectomythe removal of the entire colonwhich can eliminate U.C. entirely.

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What Is A Peptic Ulcer

A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum . When a peptic ulcer is located in the stomach, its known as a gastric ulcer, and when its located in the duodenum its called a duodenal ulcer.

Although peptic ulcers are far more common in adults, children of any age can develop these ulcers, and without proper treatment, they may experience serious complications, including:

• Bleeding: As the lining of the stomach or duodenal wall is eroded, blood vessels may also be damaged, causing bleeding.
• Perforation: Sometimes a hole has worn through the wall of the stomach or duodenum, and bacteria and partially digested food can spill through the opening into the sterile abdominal cavity .
• Narrowing and obstruction: Ulcers located at the end of the stomach can cause swelling and scarring, which can narrow or close the intestinal opening.

Is Mouth Ulcers Contagious

No! Mouth ulcer is not contagious, many people usually get confused, not knowing the difference between mouth ulcers and cold sores. Cold sores are caused by virus herpes simplex, it is highly contagious and can appear on the lips or around the mouth, even at any area of the face.

Cold sores can be contracted through close body contacts, easily via kissing. I dont want to digress, this shall be a topic of another day, lets move back to our initial topic.

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How Is Ulcerative Colitis Treated

Theres no cure for ulcerative colitis, but treatments can calm the inflammation, help you feel better and get you back to your daily activities. Treatment also depends on the severity and the individual, so treatment depends on each persons needs. Usually, healthcare providers manage the disease with medications. If your tests reveal infections that are causing problems, your healthcare provider will treat those underlying conditions and see if that helps.

The goal of medication is to induce and maintain remission, and to improve the quality of life for people with ulcerative colitis. Healthcare providers use several types of medications to calm inflammation in your large intestine. Reducing the swelling and irritation lets the tissue heal. It can also relieve your symptoms so you have less pain and less diarrhea. For children, teenagers and adults, your provider may recommend:

Children and young teenagers are prescribed the same medications. In addition to medications, some doctors also recommend that children take vitamins to get the nutrients they need for health and growth that they may not have gotten through food due to the effects of the disease on the bowel. Ask your healthcare provider for specific advice about the need for vitamin supplementation for your child.

You might need surgery that removes your colon and rectum to:

• Avoid medication side effects.
• Prevent or treat colon cancer .
• Eliminate life-threatening complications such as bleeding.

When Should I Call The Doctor

• sudden, sharp, lasting belly pain
• bloody or black bowel movements
• bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

These could be signs of a serious problem for a child whos had a peptic ulcer, such as:

• perforation
• obstruction

If your child takes NSAIDs and shows signs of a peptic ulcer, get medical help right away. Delaying diagnosis and treatment can lead to more problems and, possibly, the need for surgery. But with quick treatment, almost all peptic ulcers can be cured.

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How Stomach Ulcers Are Treated

Treatment will depend on what caused the ulcer.

Most people will be prescribed a medication called a proton pump inhibitor to reduce the amount of acid in their stomach.

Youll also need antibiotics if your ulcers were caused by a H. pylori infection.

Stomach ulcers can come back after treatment, although this is less likely to happen if the underlying cause is addressed.

How Are Ulcers Diagnosed

Because treatment protocols may be different for different types of ulcers, it is important to properly diagnose the cause of a childs ulcer before determining the right plan for treatment. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for ulcers may include:

• Upper GI series. An examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum . Your child will drink a fluid called barium. Barium is a chalky liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an X-ray. X-rays are then taken to look at your childs upper digestive tract.
• Endoscopy. A test that uses a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end to examine the inside of part of the digestive tract. Tissue samples from inside the digestive tract may also be taken for examination and testing. Learn more about endoscopy.
• Blood, stool, breath and stomach tissue tests. Performed to detect the presence of H. pylori. Although some of the tests for H. pylori may occasionally give false-positive or false-negative results, research shows that these tests can still be accurate in detecting the bacteria.

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Stomach Ulcer Symptoms In Children

The worst thing about stomach ulcer in children is that the symptoms may not be noticed in the early stages. This article discusses the causes and symptoms regarding the same.

The worst thing about stomach ulcer in children is that the symptoms may not be noticed in the early stages. This article discusses the causes and symptoms regarding the same.

An open sore, or lesion, found on the skin or mucous membrane inside the body is referred to as an ulcer. It is an open painful wound. An ulcer in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, where hydrochloric acid and pepsin are present, is called peptic ulcer. When the peptic ulcer develops in the stomach, it is particularly known as stomach ulcer or gastric ulcer. Though it is usually adults who develop stomach ulcers, children can also get affected by it. Initially, the symptoms of this condition may indicate some other digestive problems.

What Are The Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcers

Although ulcers don’t always cause symptoms, the most common sign is a gnawing or burning pain in the abdomen between the breastbone and the navel. The pain often occurs between meals and in the early morning. It may last from a few minutes to a few hours. Less common peptic ulcer symptoms include:

• feeling tired and weak

Recommended Reading: How Can You Tell If You Have An Ulcer

Plan Your Family Goals

Ulcerative Colitis usually doesnt affect the chances of getting pregnant. But many women have fewer children due to the fear that the disease could be passed on the child. Even though UC doesnt interfere in the pregnancy, it is important to plan it carefully. It is because, if a woman conceives during a flare, theres a high chance that the symptoms could worsen throughout the pregnancy.

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Causes Of Stomach Ulcers In Children

Around 50% of the worlds population has a strain of H. Pylori, which can cause chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers. pylori.

While H. Children who have peptic ulcers are more likely to suffer from an infection caused by Helicobacter pylori. However, other factors could contribute to the occurrence of their ulcers. Among them:

• Aspirin and ibuprofen, both of which contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are independently linked to gastric bleeding and ulcers if taken too often.
• Peptic ulcers are thought to be linked to genes because up to 20% of children will have family histories of the condition.
• Both children and adults with ulcers are commonly affected by highly stressful events manifesting in acute symptoms within three to six days. Examples include major life traumas, injuries, infections, or surgeries.
• Increased levels of intestinal inflammation and changes in normal bacterial flora are linked with increased risk of pediatric ulcers during obesity.
• Gastric reflux disease is characterized by acid reflux, often with the development of stomach ulcers.

The tendency for generalized stress, anxiety, and spicy foods to exacerbate existing ulcers does not occur without cause.

Many unusual conditions have been associated with excess stomach acid production. Examples include cystic fibrosis, basophilic leukemia, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and multiple endocrine tumors.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Gastric And Duodenal Ulcers

Although ulcers do not always cause symptoms, the most common ulcer symptom is a burning pain in the chest and upper abdomen. The pain often occurs between meals and in the morning. It may last from a few minutes to a few hours. Less common ulcer symptoms include:

• Loss of weight
• Feeling tired and weak.

The symptoms of stomach and duodenal ulcers may resemble other digestive conditions or medical problems. It is important to speak with a pediatric gastroenterologist if you suspect your child has an ulcer.

What Can I Do To Prevent Stomach And Duodenal Ulcers In My Child

Preventing H. pylori can reduce your childs risk of ulcers. It isnt fully understood how this infection is spread. But the following may lower your childs risk of H. pylori:

• Washing hands often

• Not having close contact with someone who has H. pylori

• Not eating or drinking contaminated food or water

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Ulcerative Colitis Vs Crohns Disease Vs Irritable Bowel

Other gut diseases can have some of the same symptoms.

• Ulcerative colitis affects only your large intestine and its lining.
• Crohnâs disease causes inflammation, but it affects other places in your digestive tract.
• Irritable bowel syndrome has some of the same symptoms as UC, but it doesnât cause inflammation or ulcers. Instead, itâs a problem with the muscles in your intestines.

Treatment For Peptic Ulcer In Children

Ulcer treatment may vary depending on the cause. The following medicines are generally considered for the treatment of peptic ulcer in children.

• Antibiotics destroy the bacteria in the stomach.

• H2- blockers, such as cimetidine and famotidine , help reduce the acid secretion in the stomach.

• Proton-pump inhibitors , such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, reduce stomach acid production.

• Antacids help neutralize stomach acid. It may help relieve symptoms but do not cure the ulcer.

• Cytoprotective agents protect the mucosal layer of the digestive tract from digestive enzymes and stomach acid. Carafate and Cytotec are cytoprotective agents. These are also used for ulcer prophylaxis .

• NSAID-induced ulcers are treated with the withdrawal of NSAIDs and the introduction of PPIs.

Treatment protocols for peptic ulcers and gastritis with H. pylori infection are known as Helicobacter pylori eradication protocols. These treatments aim at eradicating the bacteria along with relief from symptoms.

Any of the below-listed combination regimens with antibiotics and proton pump inhibitor with or without bismuth subsalicylate is given for optimal eradication .

• Triple therapy: First-line treatment using antibiotics clarithromycin and amoxicillin or metronidazole with oral PPI is given two times a day for 14 days.

• Quadruple therapy: This is second-line treatment with PPI, bismuth subsalicylate, tetracycline, and tinidazole or metronidazole for ten days.

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Can You Prevent A Peptic Ulcer

While stress and spicy foods can make symptoms of a peptic ulcer worse, they donât seem to make you more likely to have one. But a few other things can raise your chances.

Be careful when you take pain relievers. Some people who have arthritis or other conditions that cause chronic pain take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for weeks or months at a time to ease pain and swelling. These medicines can affect the mucus that protects your stomach against acid and make you more likely to have peptic ulcers.

These pain relievers include:

You’re more likely to get an ulcer while taking one of these if you:

• Are over age 65
• Are infected with H. pylori bacteria
• Take more than one NSAID at a time
• Have had a peptic ulcer in the past
• Also take a steroid drug or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

To lower your chances for peptic ulcers while you take NSAIDs:

• Use the lowest possible dose to control your symptoms, and stop taking them as soon as you no longer need them.
• Take your medicine with food.
• Don’t drink alcohol while youâre taking these medicines.

While you’re on NSAIDs, you can take medicine to lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. Drugs that can do that include:

• H2 blockers such as cimetidine , famotidine , and nizatidine

You can also take the drug misoprostol to boost the amount of protective mucus your stomach makes. But that can cause side effects like diarrhea and stomach cramps.

You can do some things to make an infection less likely:

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What Are The Symptoms Of Ulcerative Colitis With Constipation

Thereâs no agreed-upon definition for UC with constipation. But a group of experts came up with a set of guidelines to better pinpoint it. In general, youâll need to have at least two of the following symptoms for at least 3 days a month during the prior 3 months:

• A sensation that you canât get all your stool out

Constipation may also cause:

• A sick feeling in your stomach

The above symptoms can lead to other health issues, especially if you strain really hard when you poop. You may get:

• Hard stool that gets stuck in your rectum

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Treatment For A Stomach Ulcer

Special diets are now known to have very little impact on the prevention or treatment of stomach ulcers. Treatment options can include:

• medication including antibiotics, to destroy the H. pylori colony, and drugs to help speed the healing process. Different drugs need to be used in combination some of the side effects can include diarrhoea and rashes. Resistance to some of these antibiotics is becoming more common
• subsequent breath tests used to make sure the H. pylori infection has been treated successfully
• changes to existing medication the doses of arthritis medication, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medication can be altered slightly to reduce their contributing effects on the stomach ulcer.
• reducing acid tablets are available to reduce the acid content in the gastric juices
• lifestyle modifications including quitting cigarettes, since smoking reduces the natural defences in the stomach and impairs the healing process.