Quick Answer: Gastritis (stomach inflammation) causes tummy pain, nausea, and sometimes vomiting in children. It's usually triggered by infections, certain medications, or eating habits. Most cases improve with simple dietary changes - eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy/acidic foods, and giving the stomach time to heal. See a doctor if pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by blood in vomit or stool.
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Understanding Gastritis in Simple Terms
Watch: When Your Child Has Stomach Problems
Think of your child's stomach like a balloon with a protective coating inside. Gastritis is when this coating gets irritated or damaged. When it's damaged, stomach acid hurts the sensitive tissue beneath.
What Happens Inside
Normal Stomach
With Gastritis
Protective lining intact
Lining irritated/inflamed
Acid contained safely
Acid causes pain
Comfortable digestion
Pain during/after eating
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Why Does Gastritis Happen in Children?
Common Triggers
Trigger
How It Causes Gastritis
**H. pylori bacteria**
Infects and damages stomach lining
**Pain medications**
Ibuprofen, aspirin irritate lining
**Stomach virus**
Temporary inflammation
**Spicy/acidic foods**
Irritate sensitive stomachs
**Irregular eating**
Too long between meals allows acid buildup
**Stress/anxiety**
Increases acid production
Age Matters
Age
Common Causes
**Toddlers**
Viral infections, food intolerance
**School-age**
Stress, poor eating habits, H. pylori
**Teens**
Stress, NSAIDs, irregular meals, spicy foods
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How to Tell If Your Child Has Gastritis
Symptoms by Age
Toddlers/Preschoolers (Can't describe well):
Crying after eating
Holding or pointing to tummy
Not wanting to eat
Vomiting
Fussiness, especially at mealtimes
School-age Children:
"My tummy hurts" (upper middle)
Burning feeling
Feeling sick
Not hungry
Feeling full quickly
Sometimes vomiting
Teens:
Burning stomach pain
Pain that improves or worsens with food
Nausea
Bloating
Burping
When Pain Typically Occurs
Pattern
What It Might Mean
Pain when stomach is empty
Possible ulcer or high acid
Pain after eating
Possible gastritis
Pain with certain foods
Food trigger identified
Constant pain
Needs evaluation
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What You Can Do at Home
Immediate Relief
Small sips of water - Keep hydrated but don't overload stomach
Rest - Physical rest helps
Warm compress - On tummy for comfort
Bland food - If child wants to eat
Diet Modifications
The BRAT+ Diet (When Stomach Is Upset)
Food
Why It Helps
Bananas
Easy to digest, gentle
Rice
Bland, binding
Applesauce
Gentle, easy to digest
Toast
Plain, non-irritating
+ Crackers, boiled potatoes
Bland options
Foods to Give:
Plain rice, khichdi
Boiled/steamed vegetables
Lean chicken, fish
Bananas, melons
Oatmeal
Yogurt (if tolerated)
Clear soups
Foods to Avoid:
Spicy foods
Citrus fruits and juices
Tomatoes and tomato sauce
Fried foods
Chocolate
Caffeine (cola, coffee)
Carbonated drinks
Meal Timing
Instead of...
Do this...
3 large meals
5-6 small meals
Skipping breakfast
Regular morning meal
Late-night eating
Dinner 2-3 hours before bed
Eating quickly
Eating slowly, chewing well
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When to See the Doctor
Make an Appointment If:
Stomach pain lasting more than 2-3 days
Pain interfering with daily activities
Frequent complaints of burning
Loss of appetite affecting nutrition
Symptoms not improving with home care
Urgent Care Needed If:
Vomiting blood (red or looks like coffee grounds)
Black, tarry stools
Severe stomach pain
Signs of dehydration
Fainting or extreme weakness
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What the Doctor Will Do
At the Visit
Ask about symptoms - When, how often, what helps
Examine tummy - Feel for tender spots
Check weight - Weight loss is a concern
Order tests if needed
Common Tests
Test
What It Checks
**H. pylori test**
Bacterial infection (breath, stool, or blood)
**Blood tests**
Anemia, infection markers
**Stool test**
Blood in stool, infections
**Ultrasound**
Rule out other causes
**Endoscopy**
Direct look (if needed)
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Treatment Options
Medications (Doctor-Prescribed Only)
Type
What It Does
**Antacids**
Neutralizes acid for quick relief
**H2 blockers**
Reduces acid production
**PPIs**
Blocks acid more effectively
**Antibiotics**
If H. pylori is present
Never give antacids or acid-reducers without doctor's advice - they can mask serious problems.
Use paracetamol when possible (gentler on stomach)
Don't exceed recommended doses
Short-term use only unless doctor-directed
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is gastritis different from a stomach bug?
A: A stomach bug (viral gastroenteritis) usually causes vomiting AND diarrhea and resolves in 1-3 days. Gastritis tends to cause more burning pain, may not involve diarrhea, and can last longer. A virus can sometimes trigger gastritis.
Q: Can my child play sports with gastritis?
A: Mild exercise is usually fine. Avoid intense activity right after eating. If pain is significant, rest until symptoms improve.
Q: Will my child always have stomach problems?
A: Most children's gastritis resolves completely with treatment and doesn't recur. Some children may have sensitive stomachs and need to watch triggers long-term.
Q: Can anxiety cause stomach pain that looks like gastritis?
A: Yes! Anxiety and stress can cause real physical stomach symptoms. If gastritis is ruled out, addressing the underlying anxiety is important.
Q: Should I eliminate dairy if my child has gastritis?
A: Not necessarily. Some children tolerate dairy fine with gastritis. If you notice dairy worsens symptoms, reduce it temporarily and discuss with your doctor.
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Key Takeaways
Gastritis = stomach lining inflammation causing pain and nausea
Common causes: Infections, medications, diet, stress
Home treatment: Small bland meals, avoid triggers
Warning signs: Blood in vomit/stool, severe pain
Most cases resolve with diet changes and time
See doctor if symptoms persist or are severe
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This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
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