Question
The 6-year-old often experiences stomach pain before going to bed. A hospital check-up showed that one of the gastric function tests, the pepsin level, was low. How should we adjust the diet?
Answer
I’m sorry to hear about your baby’s discomfort. A low pepsin level can indeed be related to gastritis or gastric ulcer. It is recommended to feed your child a light diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and consuming more stomach-soothing foods. At the same time, increasing intake of fresh vegetables and fruits can also help with recovery. If the situation does not improve, it is suggested to undergo a Helicobacter pylori test for targeted medication. For young children, it is generally not recommended to perform a breath test; blood testing for Helicobacter pylori can be considered instead.