Could it be the ulcer child?

Stomach ulcers or gastric pain can strike every age, even a small baby. However, the process of occurrence can vary. Heartburn was not all caused by irregular eating habits or stress. Especially in developing countries, it also needs to be considered heartburn due to infection Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

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From wrong medication to germs

Heartburn caused by an inflammatory reaction in the stomach that arises because of the unbalanced protection factor with external factors. Usually, the wall of the stomach is always protected. However, an increase in acid, damage to the blood vessels of the stomach, taking certain drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, corrosive substances, to emotional stress can damage that balance, and cause heartburn. Infants who are severely ill may suffer from heartburn due to their physical stress.

New in 1982, found Helicobacter pylori germs that are associated with heartburn. These germs can infect a child's stomach with no apparent symptoms. In addition to the stomach, other parts of the intestine (duodenum) can also be affected. Most of the children with these bacteria are asymptomatic for the rest of their lives.

Stomach ulcers can be contagious

Transmission of H. pylori germs is unclear, suspected germs from others ingested, enters the stomach, and breed there. A dense, socioeconomic environment is considered a risk factor.

Infected parents, especially mothers, also play a role. About 30-80% of children in developing countries suspect of having H. pylori. A study of 150 primary school children in Jakarta, 27% and 90% were found positive for H. pylori.

 Aw, Mom, stomach, ache 

In adults, symptoms of stomach pain are quite typical of pain in the pit of the stomach or upper abdomen according to the location of the organ. Nevertheless, in children, it is not the case.

Complaints of abdominal pain characterize heartburn in children. Pain is usually dull and unclear. In pre-school children, the pain is mainly around the navel and worsens if the child eats. Meanwhile, after the age of 6 years, the symptoms are similar to adults.

Recurrent vomiting can occur primarily in pre-school or school-age children. GI bleeding (there is blood in the vomit or feces) until intestinal leakage from stomach ulcers can occur mainly in small infants who are severely ill

Clinically, it is difficult to distinguish heartburn caused by germs or not. Recurrent abdominal pain, by some experts, is considered a symptom associated with H. pylori.

Approximately 22-37% of children with these symptoms are proven to infect with H. pylori. Other complaints often deliver to children with H. pylori are heartburn, waking up at night, and often vomiting. Other symptoms to watch out for are bowel absorption disorders with decreased bodyweight, growth disorders, iron deficiency anemia, recurrent diarrhea, and malnutrition.

 Germs can be detected

In all children with symptoms of ulcer disease, H. pylori testing recommend through a simple, painless examination. A more complex examination is only performed on children with intense symptoms for subsequent treatment.

Currently, various health centers have been providing tests for H. pylori germs. If the test is positive, it can continue with a gastric (endoscopic) examination. This action is recommended for children with suspected abnormalities in the stomach and, if later discovered H. pylori, should be treated immediately.

Endoscopy also performs to perform other tests that are biopsy, germ-breeding, and others. A combination of the examination will increase—certainty of diagnosis form germ infection in order to treat as well as possible.

Screening with the urea breath test

The most accurate and straightforward test or screening test is the urea breath test. The child asks to take several areas that have to mark with radioactive substances. This area will be metabolized by H. pylori and released into carbon dioxide. If a child is positively infected, We will find carbon dioxide that has radioactive marks in the child's breath air. Because of using radioactive substances, this examination less favorable for children. But now it has been found other non-radioactive substances at a higher price.

Not just any treat

If there is a germ, treatment of heartburn should include antibiotics that can eradicate H. pylori. Because germs can turn into impotent, a combination of two antibiotics use. Children declared they cured if, after the treatment, no more germs found in the stomach.

Can the child get infected again? It turns out that recurrent germ infection in children is higher in number than adults. They are often associated with less optimal treatment.

 Can be prevented

Because of the high rate of H. pylori infection as a cause of chronic gastritis or stomach ulcers in children, we need to be alert when children show symptoms of heartburn. With the improvement of environmental hygiene and break the chain of transmission, this infection can avoid.