Gastritis Specialist

What is gastritis?

Gastritis describes inflammation in the lining of a child’s stomach. This condition can develop following a traumatic injury or due to extreme psychological stress. 

Gastritis can also be the result of:

• Severe infection
• An autoimmune disorder
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
• Extended use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications

Some children develop gastritis due to frequently eating spicy foods that irritate their stomach and can also lead to ulcers. Older children may be prone to gastritis if they smoke or drink alcohol.

What are the symptoms of gastritis?

Gastritis affects every child differently and can cause symptoms that range in severity from mild and occasional to severe and persistent.

Common symptoms of gastritis include:

• Belching
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite

Gastritis can also cause blood in your child’s vomit or stool, which is an indication of gastrointestinal bleeding issues.

How is gastritis diagnosed?

The team at Kids and Tummies offers comprehensive diagnostic testing for gastritis symptoms. They can use blood work to identify infections and stool studies to check for blood or bacteria.

The pediatric gastroenterologist also use a minimally invasive endoscopy procedure to evaluate your child’s upper digestive system. This test involves inserting a slender tube with an attached camera into the mouth and down into the esophagus.

The camera sends real-time images of your child’s upper GI tract to a monitor to help the team identify inflammation or obstructions that may contribute to gastritis. Securing images of the inside of the GI tract can also be accomplished with a capsule endoscopy. In this test, your child swallows a tiny camera that goes through the GI tract and sends images to a recording device.

How is gastritis treated?

Your child’s treatment plan for gastritis depends on the severity of their symptoms and their medical history.

The Kids and Tummies medical team designs a treatment plan that may include medications to reduce and prevent inflammation and relieve stomach pain. A course of antibiotics may also be necessary if your child has an infection.

Your pediatric gastroenterologist also works with you on lifestyle and dietary changes you can help your child make to prevent additional symptoms and complications.

If your child needs a diagnostic evaluation for gastritis symptoms, call the Kids and Tummies office nearest you or book an appointment online today.