Ngoc suffered from shortness of breath and chest tightness after eating large meals. Over the past two months, these symptoms worsened, accompanied by abdominal pain, constipation, and significant weight loss. Tests revealed H. pylori bacteria, and Ngoc underwent one month of treatment. However, her condition relapsed after she stopped the medication.

Dr. Lam Boi Hy, a pediatrician at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, diagnosed Ngoc with multifocal duodenal mucosal ulcers, chronic ileocecal valve ulcers, and mild anemia. This was a consequence of recurrent H. pylori-induced gastroduodenal ulcers, combined with prolonged constipation and an unstable diet and lifestyle over an extended period, which damaged the gastrointestinal lining.

According to Dr. Hy, Ngoc stopping her medication prematurely, as soon as her symptoms improved, is a common reason for H. pylori-induced gastroduodenal ulcers to recur and even cause severe damage. Uncontrolled chronic constipation also increases pressure on the digestive system, leading to poor appetite, fatigue, and weight loss in children.

Doctors prescribed intravenous fluids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid secretion and promote ulcer healing. This was combined with medication to improve anemia and alleviate constipation. After six days of treatment, Ngoc's abdominal pain and digestive symptoms improved, and she was discharged from the hospital.

Bac si Hy kham cho be Ngoc truoc khi xuat vien. Anh: Benh vien Da khoa Tam Anh

H. pylori-induced gastroduodenal ulcers are a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal lining. They occur when H. pylori bacteria colonize the digestive tract and secrete toxins that damage the protective mucosal layer of the stomach and duodenum. Initial symptoms in children are often vague, such as transient abdominal pain or poor appetite, which can be easily mistaken for common digestive disorders. If left untreated, ulcers risk spreading, recurring repeatedly, and potentially causing gastrointestinal bleeding, perforated ulcers leading to peritonitis, and more. In the long term, children may experience reduced nutrient absorption, delayed growth, and anemia.

Dr. Hy emphasized that children with H. pylori-induced gastroduodenal ulcers need to complete the full course of treatment. Parents should not stop medication arbitrarily when symptoms lessen and must attend follow-up appointments. Parents should also ensure their children have a balanced diet with sufficient fiber and water to prevent constipation.

Parents should take their children to the hospital for examination if they exhibit abnormal signs such as recurrent abdominal pain, frequent nausea, vomiting after meals, prolonged constipation or digestive disorders, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or pale skin.

Gian Don

*Character's name has been changed