Signs of gastritis in children
Gastritis is called inflammation of the gastric mucosa, leading to a disorder of its activity. Like most diseases, gastritis in children can be acute or chronic. The acute form of the disease is marked by pronounced symptoms, but in case of adequate treatment the probability of complete recovery is very high. The manifestations of chronic gastritis in children are not so pronounced, but getting rid of it is not easy. Most likely, to cure chronic gastritis will not succeed, the only way out is timely treatment during periods of exacerbations.
The main sign of gastritis in children is a disorder of motor and secretory functions of the stomach. Depending on the severity of the disease, the degree of severity and depth of inflammation of the mucosa are significantly different. In more severe cases, symptoms of damage to other organs are added to the manifestation of irritations and inflammations of the gastric walls.
Acute gastritis in children (or exacerbation of chronic) has the following symptoms:
- general weakness, lethargy;
- increased salivation or, conversely, dry mouth;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- increased body temperature;
- white with a gray tinge of plaque on the tongue;
- rapid pulse;
- lowering of blood pressure;
- abdominal pain.
Complications of a simple (superficial) gastritis in a child are manifested in the form of intoxication of the body and violations of the cardiovascular system. Erosive gastritis in children can cause perforation of the gastric walls, internal bleeding and peritonitis.
Treatment of gastritis in children
The general scheme of treatment of gastritis in children is as follows:
- bed rest for 3-4 days;
- in the case of vomiting - washing the stomach with mineral water, boiled water, a solution of sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate;
- In the first 8-12 hours of exacerbation the patient should be given plenty of drink (small portions).
- the diet for gastritis in children is very important. It should not be done in the first 12 hours. After 12 hours and the next few days, the patient can be given kefir, kissels, cereals, soup-puree, low-fat broth. By 6-8 day white rusks, meat souffle, cottage cheese, soft-boiled eggs are introduced into the diet.
Medical treatment of gastritis in children is as follows:
- Spasmolytics in a dose appropriate to age (with pain).
- Cholinolytics and antacids (if there are no secretory disorders).
- Adsorbents (taken in the period between meals with lots of liquid).
- Antiemetic (if there is vomiting).
- Antibiotics (prescribed for toxic-infectious gastritis).
When the first symptoms of gastritis should immediately seek medical attention. In severe cases of corrosive gastritis, shock and collapse may occur, up to a lethal outcome.
Chronic gastritis in children is often combined with other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, so in the case of diagnosing this disease, a general examination of the body should be carried out.
Prevention of gastritis in children
For the prevention of gastritis in children, the observance of age-appropriate diet and general food hygiene is of primary importance. It is unacceptable to overeating, especially sweet and fatty foods. Nutrition for gastritis in children should be varied and full, preferably simple meals, without exotic ingredients and irritating stomach walls of seasonings and sauces.
Often, the disease is a consequence of stress, so it is very important to observe the correct mode of the day, do not overload the child with classes, give him enough time to rest. Also important is the moral atmosphere in the family.
Hereditary factor also is important in the development of gastritis. If your family has a tendency to develop gastric diseases, you should closely monitor the life and nutrition of children, avoiding unfavorable factors.
Thus, to protect children from disease (not only gastritis, but many others), take care of the right diet and diet for them. Better yet, make a healthy lifestyle a rule for the whole family. So you will not only help the children to be healthier, but also they will form the right food habits, love for the sport, and they will necessarily continue the tradition of correct education in the future, in their own family.