GASTRIC EROSION |
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DESCRIPTIONGastric erosion is a slight ulceration of the stomach lining. This is not contagious or cancerous. Gastric erosion affects all ages, but it occurs mostly in males.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care after diagnosis.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Vomiting blood. Blood may be bright red or resemble black coffee grounds.
Blood in the child's stool. Blood will appear black or "tarry."
CAUSES
Probably caused by drugs that irritate the child's stomach lining. Most likely drugs are alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat arthritis and gout, and cortisone drugs used to treat asthma, Addison's disease, or other conditions.
RISK FACTORS
Stress.
Use of any oral medication.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCE
Your child should not take medicines without enteric (protective) coatings.
Your child should not drink alcohol if there has been gastric erosion. It may trigger bleeding.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory studies of the child's stool and blood tests for anemia.
X-rays of the upper digestive tract.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSBleeding is an uncommon but dangerous complication. Another major complication is perforation, in which the erosion penetrates the child's stomach wall. Surgery is necessary to correct either complication.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Curable in 2 weeks with treatment if the cause is eliminated. Recurrence is common.
TREATMENT
HOME CARE
Check your child's stool every day for signs of bleeding. If the stool is black, remove a stool portion from the toilet bowl and take it to your doctor's office for examination.
Help your child avoid stressful situations (See Appendix 19).
Urge your child not to smoke or drink alcoholic beverages.
MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe H-2 blockers for your child to reduce production of stomach acid.
For minor pain, use non-prescription antacids.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
Your child can resume normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.
DIET & FLUIDS
Your child should avoid hot and spicy foods. The child should eat small frequent meals for 2 weeks. Urge your child not to drink alcohol.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Not until symptoms subside and strength and sense of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
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Your child develops diarrhea. This may represent an adverse reaction to drugs used in treatment. The prescription may need adjustment.
Your child has severe pain that is not relieved by treatment.
Your child is unusually weak, pale, or lightheaded.
Symptoms of gastric erosion recur after treatment.
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