GASTRITIS |
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DESCRIPTIONGastritis is irritation, inflammation, or infection of the stomach lining.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care after diagnosis.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
Hospitalization (if bleeding with bright blood or coffee ground-looking material appears in vomitus, or the child's stools become black or tarry).
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Mild nausea and diarrhea.
Vomiting (occasionally).
Abdominal pain and cramps.
Loss of appetite.
Fever.
Weakness.
Swollen abdomen.
Sharp, dull, or annoying pain in the chest.
Acid taste in the mouth.
Belching or gas.
CAUSES
Excess stomach acid caused by heavy drinking, smoking, or overeating (especially foods not easily digested).
Food allergy.
Virus infection. This form may be contagious.
Adverse reaction to alcohol, caffeine, or drugs.
Unknown (sometimes).
RISK FACTORS
Stress.
Improper diet.
Illness that has lowered your child's resistance.
Use of drugs, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, cortisone, caffeine, and many more.
Fatigue or overwork.
Excess alcohol consumption.
Smoking.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEInstructions for your child:
Eat and drink moderately.
Avoid foods you find hard to digest.
Don't smoke.
Discuss with your doctor any medicines you take. Avoid medicines that irritate your stomach, if possible.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory studies to measure your child's stomach acid.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSBleeding is an uncommon but dangerous complication. Another major complication is ulceration or perforation, in which stomach acid erodes into or through the child's stomach wall. Surgery is necessary to correct either complication.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Usually curable in a week if the cause is eliminated.
TREATMENT
HOME CAREConsider lifestyle changes for your child (See Appendix 19).
MEDICATION
For minor discomfort, use non-prescription antacids.
Your doctor may prescribe additional medication, depending on the cause of your child's gastritis.
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
Instructions for your child:
Don't eat solid food on the first day of the attack. Drink liquids frequently, preferably milk or water. Resume a normal diet slowly, but avoid hot and spicy foods until symptoms disappear. For a well-balanced diet, See Appendix 24.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?When appetite has returned and alertness, strength, and feeling of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child vomits blood.
Your child's bowel movements become black or tarry.
Pain becomes severe.
Signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, wrinkled skin, excess thirst, or decreased urination, develop.
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