Kids and Tummies
Pediatric Gastroenterologists located in Gulfport, MS & Ocean Springs, MS
The board-certified team at Kids and Tummies in Gulfport and Ocean Springs, Mississippi, provides expert care for your child’s abdominal pain. They are skilled in diagnosing your child’s condition and have the expertise to provide successful treatment. To schedule an appointment, call the friendly practice today or book your appointment online.
Gastritis Specialist
Gastritis Q & A
What is gastritis?
Gastritis describes inflammation in the lining of a child’s stomach. This condition can develop following a traumatic injury or due to extreme psychological stress.
Gastritis can also be the result of:
- Severe infection
- An autoimmune disorder
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
- Extended use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
Some children develop gastritis due to frequently eating spicy foods that irritate their stomach and can also lead to ulcers. Older children may be prone to gastritis if they smoke or drink alcohol.
What are the symptoms of gastritis?
Gastritis affects every child differently and can cause symptoms that range in severity from mild and occasional to severe and persistent.
Common symptoms of gastritis include:
- Belching
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
Gastritis can also cause blood in your child’s vomit or stool, which is an indication of gastrointestinal bleeding issues.
How is gastritis diagnosed?
The team at Kids and Tummies offers comprehensive diagnostic testing for gastritis symptoms. They can use blood work to identify infections and stool studies to check for blood or bacteria.
The pediatric gastroenterologist also use a minimally invasive endoscopy procedure to evaluate your child’s upper digestive system. This test involves inserting a slender tube with an attached camera into the mouth and down into the esophagus.
The camera sends real-time images of your child’s upper GI tract to a monitor to help the team identify inflammation or obstructions that may contribute to gastritis. Securing images of the inside of the GI tract can also be accomplished with a capsule endoscopy. In this test, your child swallows a tiny camera that goes through the GI tract and sends images to a recording device.
How is gastritis treated?
Your child’s treatment plan for gastritis depends on the severity of their symptoms and their medical history.
The Kids and Tummies medical team designs a treatment plan that may include medications to reduce and prevent inflammation and relieve stomach pain. A course of antibiotics may also be necessary if your child has an infection.
Your pediatric gastroenterologist also works with you on lifestyle and dietary changes you can help your child make to prevent additional symptoms and complications.
If your child needs a diagnostic evaluation for gastritis symptoms, call the Kids and Tummies office nearest you or book an appointment online today.
Accepting New Patients
Would you like to schedule a new patient appointment with Dr. Ulmer? If so, please click here for our New Patient Packet and for information about your first visit. Click here to Request an Appointment, and find information on our office hours and locations.
Primary Services
The team offers comprehensive evaluations and therapies, treating each young patient with personalized care. They include the entire family in the child’s treatment, making visits and treatments an all-inclusive experience. The personalized attention they give children to ensure their successful outcomes make them a standout practice.
To schedule an appointment, call Kids and Tummies today or book an appointment online.
Office
Office
Monday to Friday : 8am – 4pm