Stomach Ulcers in Teens: Causes, Risks, and Recovery

Q: Stomach Ulcers in Teens: Causes, Risks, and Recovery

Hello： 1. <br>Emotional stress, irritant foods, and anti-inflammatory pain medications, among others, can all potentially trigger ulcers. <br>2. <br>The mucosal repair capacity is quite rapid; when the protective mechanisms of the gastric wall exceed the destructive factors, the

Abdominal pain for a long time has been diagnosed as a gastric ulcer?

Hello, doctor.
I am 16 years old.
I have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for over a month, and I have lost 3.4 kilograms.
Today, I went to the hospital for an endoscopy, and the doctor said that there is an ulcer near the pylorus of my stomach, which is still within the gastric area, so I was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer.
There is inflammation in my esophagus, and the upper part of my stomach is also red and swollen.
The doctor asked me to return next week to check the biopsy report for Helicobacter pylori and to determine if the ulcer is benign.
The doctor mentioned that it is concerning for someone my age to have a gastric ulcer, indicating that my gastrointestinal system is quite fragile, and advised me to pay attention to my diet.
I would like to ask, doctor, because my father and aunt have both had gastric ulcers frequently due to their work-related irregular eating habits and night shifts.
However, I am still a high school student, and my family has a history of gastrointestinal issues.
Additionally, I just started my midterm exam week, during which I tend to stay up late studying and sometimes eat at night.
My eating schedule is relatively regular due to the dormitory aligning with the school cafeteria's hours.
Recently, because I have not been feeling well, I have been going to bed around 11 PM (previously, I would stay up late).

What could be the possible causes of my gastric ulcer? How long does it typically take for a gastric ulcer to heal? What dietary restrictions should I follow? Also, what is the likelihood of the ulcer being malignant? I am very concerned about my health.
Thank you, doctor, for your assistance.

Rita, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/13

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: 1.
Emotional stress, irritant foods, and anti-inflammatory pain medications, among others, can all potentially trigger ulcers.
2.
The mucosal repair capacity is quite rapid; when the protective mechanisms of the gastric wall exceed the destructive factors, the mucosa has the opportunity to rest and heal.
Typically, pain may subside within 3-7 days, with complete recovery taking approximately 4-8 weeks, depending on the underlying cause of the ulcer.
3.
It is advisable to avoid tea leaves, coffee, soda, chocolate, sweets, glutinous rice products, high-fat/high-protein foods, overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol, chewing betel nut/gum, and emotional stress.
4.
We will know more once the report is out.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2017/05/13

More Info

Understanding stomach ulcers, particularly in teenagers, is crucial given the unique physiological and psychological factors that can contribute to their development. As a 16-year-old experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort and diagnosed with a gastric ulcer, it's important to consider several aspects regarding causes, risks, and recovery.

Causes of Stomach Ulcers in Teens
1. Helicobacter Pylori Infection: One of the most common causes of stomach ulcers is an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. This bacterium can damage the stomach lining, leading to ulcer formation. Your doctor has mentioned that a biopsy will check for this infection, which is a standard procedure.

2. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): The use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to ulcer formation. If you have been taking any over-the-counter pain relievers, this could be a factor.

3. Stress and Lifestyle Factors: While stress alone does not cause ulcers, it can exacerbate symptoms and contribute to behaviors that increase ulcer risk, such as irregular eating patterns. The pressure of school, especially during exam periods, can lead to increased stress levels, which may affect your digestive health.

4. Dietary Habits: Although diet does not directly cause ulcers, certain foods can irritate the stomach lining. Spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods may worsen symptoms. Given your family history of ulcers, it’s wise to be cautious about your diet.

5. Genetic Predisposition: Since you mentioned that family members have a history of ulcers, genetics may play a role in your susceptibility to developing similar conditions.

Risks and Complications
While most gastric ulcers are benign, there is a small risk of complications, such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach lining. The likelihood of malignancy (cancer) is generally low in younger individuals, especially if the ulcer is found to be benign. However, it’s essential to follow up with your healthcare provider regarding the biopsy results to rule out any serious conditions.

Recovery and Treatment
1. Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed to reduce stomach acid and promote healing. If your ulcer is classified as B or C, a treatment duration of four months with PPIs is often sufficient for healing. However, if it’s more severe, longer treatment may be necessary.

2. Dietary Modifications: During recovery, it’s advisable to avoid irritants such as spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods. Instead, focus on a bland diet that includes soft, non-irritating foods. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help reduce stomach acid production.

3. Lifestyle Changes: Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can aid in recovery. Avoiding late-night eating and ensuring a consistent sleep schedule can also be beneficial.

4. Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor healing and adjust treatment as necessary. If symptoms persist despite treatment, further evaluation may be needed to explore other underlying issues.

Conclusion
In summary, your situation reflects a combination of genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and possibly an H. pylori infection. With appropriate treatment, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes, the prognosis for healing is generally good. It's crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and adhere to their recommendations for the best outcomes. Remember, taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as addressing your physical symptoms.

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