Stomach and Duodenal Ulcer Treatment
Specific treatment will be determined by your child's doctor based on the following:
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Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
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The extent of the disease
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Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
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The expectations for the course of the disease
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Your opinion or preference
Recommended treatment may include:
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Lifestyle changes. In the past, doctors advised people with ulcers to avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods. However, a bland diet is now known to be ineffective for treating or avoiding ulcers. No particular diet is helpful for most ulcer patients. If it seems that certain foods cause irritation, please discuss the problem with your child's doctor.
Some children and teenagers smoke, with or without their parent's knowledge or permission. Smoking has been shown to delay ulcer healing and has been linked to ulcer recurrence.
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Medications. Doctors may treat stomach and duodenal ulcers with several types of medications, including the following:
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Antibiotics. Used to kill the bacteria.
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H2-blockers. Reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces by blocking histamine, a powerful stimulant of acid secretion.
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Proton pump inhibitors. More completely block stomach acid production by stopping the stomach's acid pump--the final step of acid secretion.
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Mucosal protective agents. Shield the stomach's mucous lining from the damage of acid, but do not inhibit the release of acid.
When treating H. pylori, these medications or procedures are often used in combination.
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Surgery. In most cases, anti-ulcer medicines heal ulcers quickly and effectively, and eradication of H. pylori prevents most ulcers from recurring. However, rarely people do not respond to medication and may require surgery.