Gastritis in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Quick Answer: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting in children. Common causes include H. pylori infection, medications (like NSAIDs), and stress. Most cases improve with dietary changes and medications. See a doctor if your child has persistent stomach pain, blood in vomit or stool, or unexplained weight loss.
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What Is Gastritis?
Watch: Understanding Stomach Problems in Children
Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach's inner lining. When the protective lining is irritated or damaged, stomach acid causes pain and discomfort.
Types of Gastritis
Type
Description
**Acute gastritis**
Sudden onset, usually short-term
**Chronic gastritis**
Long-lasting, develops gradually
**Erosive gastritis**
Causes breaks in stomach lining
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Causes of Gastritis in Children
Most Common Causes
Cause
How It Happens
**H. pylori infection**
Bacteria that damages stomach lining
**NSAID use**
Ibuprofen, aspirin irritate stomach
**Viral infections**
Stomach flu can cause temporary gastritis
**Stress**
Physical stress from illness, injury
**Food sensitivities**
Reaction to certain foods
Less Common Causes
Autoimmune conditions
Bile reflux
Corrosive substance ingestion
Crohn's disease affecting stomach
Radiation therapy
Risk Factors
Family history of stomach problems
Frequent use of pain medications
Spicy food consumption
Irregular eating habits
High stress levels
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Symptoms to Watch For
Common Symptoms
Symptom
Description
**Stomach pain**
Upper abdomen, may be burning
**Nausea**
Feeling sick, may or may not vomit
**Vomiting**
May be frequent
**Bloating**
Full, uncomfortable feeling
**Loss of appetite**
Not wanting to eat
**Early fullness**
Feeling full after small amounts
In Younger Children
May be harder to identify:
Fussiness, especially after eating
Refusing food
Pointing to or holding tummy
Changes in sleep due to discomfort
Warning Signs (See Doctor Immediately)
Blood in vomit (red or coffee-ground appearance)
Black or bloody stools
Severe abdominal pain
Rapid weight loss
Persistent vomiting
Signs of dehydration
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Diagnosis
What to Expect at the Doctor
Medical history - Symptoms, duration, medications
Physical exam - Pressing on abdomen, checking for tenderness
Review of diet and habits
Tests That May Be Ordered
Test
Purpose
**H. pylori test**
Breath test, stool test, or blood test
**Blood tests**
Check for anemia, infection
**Stool test**
Check for blood, infections
**Upper endoscopy**
Look directly at stomach lining (if needed)
**Ultrasound**
Rule out other causes
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Treatment
Dietary Changes (First Line)
Foods to Avoid:
Category
Examples
**Spicy foods**
Chili, pepper, hot sauce
**Acidic foods**
Citrus, tomatoes, vinegar
**Fried foods**
Deep-fried items, fast food
**Caffeine**
Cola, coffee, chocolate
**Carbonated drinks**
Soda, sparkling water
Foods That Help:
Category
Examples
**Low-acid fruits**
Banana, melon, apple
**Vegetables**
Carrots, beans, broccoli (cooked)
**Lean proteins**
Chicken, fish, eggs
**Whole grains**
Rice, oatmeal, whole wheat bread
**Dairy**
Low-fat milk, yogurt (if tolerated)
Eating Habits
Small, frequent meals (5-6 per day)
Don't skip meals
Eat slowly, chew well
Don't lie down immediately after eating
Avoid eating late at night
Medications (When Prescribed)
Type
Purpose
Examples
**Antacids**
Neutralize acid
Digene, Gelusil
**H2 blockers**
Reduce acid production
Ranitidine, Famotidine
**PPIs**
Block acid production
Omeprazole, Pantoprazole
**Antibiotics**
If H. pylori positive
Triple therapy
**Protective agents**
Coat stomach lining
Sucralfate
Important: Never give antacids or acid-reducers to children without doctor's guidance.
If H. pylori Is the Cause
Treatment involves:
Two antibiotics + one acid reducer
Taken for 10-14 days
Follow-up testing to confirm eradication
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Home Care Tips
Comfort Measures
Warm compress on tummy (not hot)
Rest after meals
Loose, comfortable clothing
Stress reduction activities
What to Watch
Keep a food diary to identify triggers
Monitor symptoms - getting better or worse?
Note any new symptoms
Track medication use
Avoiding Triggers
Trigger
Solution
Spicy foods
Use mild seasonings
Skipping meals
Regular small meals
Overeating
Smaller portions
Eating fast
Slow down, chew well
Stress
Relaxation techniques
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Prevention
Good Habits
Regular meal times
Balanced, non-irritating diet
Adequate hydration
Stress management
Hand hygiene (prevents H. pylori)
Medication Precautions
Avoid unnecessary NSAIDs
Take medications with food when recommended
Don't exceed recommended doses
Tell doctor about all medications
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When to Seek Medical Help
See Doctor If:
Stomach pain lasting more than a few days
Symptoms not improving with dietary changes
Frequent vomiting
Poor appetite affecting nutrition
Weight loss
Emergency Care If:
Vomiting blood
Black or bloody stools
Severe abdominal pain
Signs of dehydration
Fainting or extreme weakness
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can stress really cause stomach problems in children?
A: Yes! Stress can increase acid production and affect the stomach lining. While gastritis from pure stress is less common in children than adults, emotional stress can worsen existing gastritis.
Q: How long does it take for gastritis to heal?
A: Acute gastritis may resolve in days to weeks with proper treatment. Chronic gastritis may take longer - months of management. H. pylori gastritis improves after successful antibiotic treatment.
Q: Can my child eat normally with gastritis?
A: Some modifications are needed during active symptoms. Once healed, most children can return to a regular diet while avoiding known triggers. Some children remain sensitive to certain foods.
Q: Is gastritis in children serious?
A: Most cases are mild and treatable. However, untreated gastritis can lead to ulcers or bleeding, which is why persistent symptoms should be evaluated.
Q: My child often complains of stomach ache. Is it always gastritis?
A: Not necessarily. Stomach aches in children have many causes - constipation, stress, food intolerance, infections. Gastritis is one possibility. A doctor can help determine the cause.
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Key Takeaways
Common causes: H. pylori, NSAIDs, infections, stress
