Condition
Peptic Ulcer Disease in Children
Comprehensive evaluation and healing-focused treatment for stomach and duodenal ulcers in children, addressing root causes and preventing recurrence.
Peptic ulcer disease in children is less common than in adults but can cause significant pain, bleeding, and nutritional problems. In kids, ulcers are most often caused by H. pylori infection, frequent NSAID use, or severe stress from critical illness.
At PediGut Health, Dr. Mendez takes a careful, thorough approach to diagnosing and treating peptic ulcers in children. We evaluate for H. pylori, assess medication history, and create a healing plan that includes acid suppression, eradication therapy when needed, and dietary guidance to protect the stomach lining and prevent recurrence.
Signs and symptoms
- Burning or gnawing upper abdominal pain, often worse before meals or at night
- Pain that improves temporarily after eating
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Bloody or black tarry stools (signs of bleeding)
- Vomiting blood or coffee-ground material
- Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
- Weight loss or poor growth
- Recurrent abdominal pain not explained by other causes
How we treat it
- Detailed history including medication use (NSAIDs, steroids), H. pylori exposure risks, and family history of ulcers.
- Noninvasive H. pylori testing (stool antigen or urea breath test) when infection is suspected.
- Upper endoscopy with biopsy when needed for diagnosis, bleeding evaluation, or H. pylori confirmation.
- Acid suppression therapy to protect the stomach lining and allow healing.
- Targeted H. pylori eradication with antibiotics when infection is confirmed.
- Dietary and lifestyle guidance to reduce irritation and prevent recurrence.
- Monitoring for complications such as bleeding, perforation, or anemia.
When to call a pediatric GI
- Severe or persistent upper abdominal pain, especially if it wakes your child at night.
- Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding: black stools, bloody vomit, or unexplained pallor.
- Recurrent vomiting, poor appetite, or unexplained weight loss.
- Iron-deficiency anemia that does not respond to supplementation.
- A known or suspected H. pylori infection in a family member.
- Your child requires frequent NSAIDs for another medical condition.
Frequently asked
What causes peptic ulcers in children?
The two most common causes are H. pylori infection and frequent NSAID use (like ibuprofen). Less commonly, severe stress from critical illness or rare acid-secreting tumors can cause ulcers.
How is H. pylori tested in children?
We use noninvasive tests first: stool antigen testing or urea breath testing. If needed, an upper endoscopy with biopsy provides definitive diagnosis and helps rule out other conditions.
Can ulcers heal without antibiotics?
If the ulcer is caused by H. pylori, antibiotics are necessary to fully eradicate the bacteria and prevent recurrence. For NSAID-related ulcers, stopping the offending medication plus acid suppression usually leads to healing.
How long does it take for a pediatric ulcer to heal?
With appropriate treatment, most ulcers begin healing within 2-4 weeks, though H. pylori eradication therapy typically lasts 10-14 days, and acid suppression may continue for 4-8 weeks to ensure full recovery.
Are there dietary restrictions for children with ulcers?
We recommend avoiding known irritants such as spicy foods, acidic beverages, and excessive caffeine. Small, frequent meals and adequate hydration support healing. We provide personalized guidance based on your child's symptoms.
Ready to talk it through?
Concierge access means we have the time to listen, evaluate carefully, and stay with your family through every step.