What are the Signs of Gastritis in Children?

The signs of gastritis in children include discomfort and pain, nausea, vomiting, and belching. A child with gastritis may also appear pale and bloated. Some children with this condition also sweat a good deal, have reddish or blackish stools, or exhibit irritability. Poor weight gain and heartburn may develop as signs of the condition as well.

Gastritis is a condition marked by inflammation and irritation of the lining of the stomach. This condition may develop suddenly, such as in the case of acute gastritis, or gradually, as in the chronic form of the disease. Gastritis is more likely to occur in older adults but can affect people of all ages, including children. Unfortunately, it can lead to the development of ulcers over time; it is even possible for stomach cancer to develop in relation to the disease. Most children, however, can be successfully treated.

There are a range of symptoms that may indicate gastritis in children. For example, a child with the condition may develop nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, and unexplained weight loss. Often, children will also feel full even though they haven’t eaten very much, become bloated, or belch frequently when they have gastritis.

The symptoms a child will face when he has gastritis may depend on the form of the condition he has. For example, if a child has acute gastritis, he may feel nauseous and have pain in the upper region of his abdomen. In some children, the sensation may be described as general discomfort while others may experience burning pain in this stomach. A child with chronic gastritis, on the other hand, may be more likely to experience a sensation of fullness, loss of appetite, and a dull pain or discomfort in the abdomen. Some children, however, do not experience obvious symptoms at all.

Unfortunately, complications may sometimes develop. A child may develop ulcers in his stomach, for example, which may bleed. Additionally, chronic gastritis may translate into an increased risk of stomach cancer. When stomach bleeding occurs because of gastritis, a child may also vomit blood or have bowel movements that appear red or black in color.

The signs of gastritis in children often mimic those of other illnesses. If a child experiences gastrointestinal symptoms for longer than a week, his parent should have him evaluated by a medical professional. Symptoms such as vomiting blood and blood in stools, however, may require swift medical attention in case they are indications of a more serious problem.