Stomach or Duodenal Ulcer: How to Care for Your Child

A stomach ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach. A duodenal (doo-uh-DEE-nul) ulcer is in the duodenum (doo-uh-DEE-num), part of the small intestine close to the stomach. Most ulcers form when H. pylori bacteria cause an infection in the stomach or duodenum. Other causes include smoking, medicines, or an illness.

Using a special type of scope (a soft tube) with a tiny camera, the doctor examined these areas and found an ulcer. Most ulcers heal in a few months with proper treatment.

• If your child has an H. pylori infection, give all of the antibiotic doses as prescribed even if your child feels better. This is the best way to kill the harmful germs.

• Give any other prescribed medicines as directed.

• Avoid giving your child ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin unless the doctor says it's OK. These nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can sometimes cause ulcers.

• You can give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) for fever and pain.

• Offer your child a variety of healthy, nutritious foods.

• Your child should avoid coffee, tea, colas, and other caffeinated foods and drinks, as well as alcohol and cigarettes. These can make pain from an ulcer worse. 

Your child:

• gets worse or does not get better

• is vomiting

• has less of an appetite than usual

• has bloody or black poop

• loses weight or is not gaining weight

• feels weak or more tired than usual

• has a fever

• has other symptoms, like nausea or general discomfort 

• appears dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, crying with few or no tears, or peeing less often (or having fewer wet diapers)

Your child:

• has a swollen belly

• has bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

• has sudden, sharp, lasting, or severe belly pain

• is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down

What are the symptoms of an ulcer? Kids with ulcers may have belly pain, bloating, general discomfort, gas, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, weight loss, tiredness, and loss of appetite.

How are ulcers treated? To treat ulcers, health care providers use medicine to reduce acid. Sometimes, they give other medicines to help protect the lining of the stomach and duodenum. Kids with ulcers caused by H. pylori also take antibiotics for the infection. Ulcers rarely need to be treated with surgery.

Can ulcers caused by H. pylori be prevented? Protecting kids from H. pylori infection may lower their risk of getting an ulcer. Kids should:

• wash hands well and often

• eat food that has been safely prepared 

• drink water from a safe source