Question
Can a child check for gastric ulcers without having a gastroscopy? The child has been suffering from long-term stomach pain and is unwilling to eat. The doctor recommended a gastroscopy, but since the child is young, are there any non-gastroscopic examination methods available?
Answer
If a child frequently experiences abdominal pain, it may be suspected that they have a Helicobacter pylori infection. They can undergo a stool Helicobacter pylori test or a carbon-13 Helicobacter pylori breath test. These tests are painless and unpleasant. If the child is underweight, a check can be made for parasite eggs in the stool. If they often catch colds, an abdominal ultrasound can be performed to inspect for inflammation in the mesenteric lymph nodes. An ultrasound of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas can help determine if there are any abnormalities. These examinations are painless and harmless for children and do not cause any disturbance.