Paediatricians Warn Untreated Peptic Ulcer Disease in Children May Lead to Anaemia

Child health experts have warned that untreated peptic ulcer disease in children can lead to anaemia, bleeding, and shock, emphasising the need for early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Although ulcers are less common in children than adults, they can occur, particularly in school-age children and adolescents, and are often overlooked until complications arise.

Paediatricians explained that the condition is commonly caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori and the indiscriminate use of pain-relieving drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and diclofenac. Other contributing factors include poor hand hygiene, malnutrition, severe infections, burns, and chronic illnesses that weaken immunity.

If left untreated, ulcers may cause blood loss through vomiting or dark stools, leading to iron deficiency anaemia, which can rapidly make affected children pale, weak, and in need of urgent medical attention or blood transfusion. Experts also warned that untreated childhood ulcers can persist into adulthood, raising the risk of chronic ulcer disease and, in rare cases, stomach cancer.

Contrary to popular belief, experts noted that spicy foods, skipping meals, or fasting do not directly cause stomach ulcers. While spicy foods may aggravate symptoms, H. pylori infection is the primary cause. Peptic ulcers, or open sores in the stomach lining or upper small intestine, often cause burning stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

Dr. Abdurrazzaq Alege, a paediatrician at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, said ulcers are uncommon in young children but can occur in school-age children and adolescents. He noted that poor hygiene, low socioeconomic status, and malnutrition increase susceptibility to H. pylori, which thrives in such conditions.

Alege also warned against the misuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often given to children for pain or fever without medical guidance. “Drugs like ibuprofen, diclofenac, and aspirin can erode the stomach lining, causing ulcers,” he said. Stress from severe infections, burns, or other conditions that increase acid secretion can also trigger ulcer formation.

Symptoms may include upper or central abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, vomiting blood, or passing dark stools, all of which require urgent attention. He stressed that ulcers are preventable and treatable through good nutrition, hygiene, and proper medication use.

Paediatrician Dr. Tolulope Asare added that while peptic ulcers can occur at any age, they are more common in older children and adolescents. Symptoms vary with age: younger children may experience feeding difficulties, excessive crying, vomiting blood, or passing black stools, while older children typically report abdominal pain or a burning sensation.

If untreated, childhood ulcers can result in anaemia, shock, or perforation, potentially becoming a surgical emergency. Chronic H. pylori infection may also increase the risk of duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer later in life.

Diagnosis can be made through endoscopy and biopsy, or non-invasive tests like stool antigen and urea breath tests. Experts emphasised that prevention relies on good hygiene, access to clean water, proper food handling, and avoiding indiscriminate use of painkillers and steroids.

Successful treatment, including eradication of H. pylori, usually results in cure with a low risk of relapse, and parents are urged to seek medical care promptly if children display symptoms of ulcer disease.