Can Telemedicine Help with Suspected Peptic Ulcer in Children?

Audience: pediatric

Peptic ulcers are sores that can form in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. In children, these ulcers may cause stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. Telemedicine can be a helpful first step to talk with a healthcare provider about symptoms your child is experiencing. Through a video or phone visit, the provider can ask questions, review symptoms, and decide if your child needs urgent care or tests. While telemedicine can guide you on managing mild symptoms and when to seek care, it cannot replace a physical exam or tests needed to confirm a peptic ulcer. If your child has severe pain, vomiting blood, or signs of bleeding, seek emergency care immediately. Telemedicine is a useful tool to start care but should be followed by in-person visits if symptoms are serious or do not improve.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain that does not improve with rest or medications.
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
• Black, tarry stools or signs of dehydration such as dizziness, dry mouth, or very little urine.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and medical history review.
• Providing advice on symptom management and when to seek urgent care.
• Prescribing medications when appropriate and safe to do so remotely.
• Guidance on follow-up care and monitoring symptoms.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or diagnostic tests like endoscopy or imaging.
• Emergency treatment for severe bleeding or complications.
• Administering intravenous medications or procedures.
• Diagnosing peptic ulcers definitively without in-person tests.

What is a Peptic Ulcer?

A peptic ulcer is a sore that forms on the inside of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. These sores happen when the protective lining is damaged, often due to stomach acid or infections. In children, ulcers can cause discomfort or pain in the belly area, especially between meals or at night.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine lets you connect with a healthcare provider through video or phone. For suspected peptic ulcers, the provider can ask about your child's symptoms, medical history, and any medicines they take. This helps decide if your child needs urgent care, tests, or medicines. Telemedicine is useful for initial advice and follow-up but cannot perform physical exams or tests needed to confirm ulcers.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has any of these signs, get in-person medical care right away:

These symptoms may mean serious bleeding or complications.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, have this ready:

This helps the provider understand the situation better.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider’s advice carefully. They may suggest:

Keep notes on any changes in your child's condition and ask for help if you are unsure.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your child's symptoms, including when they started and how severe they are.
• Gather information about any medicines your child is currently taking.
• Be ready to describe your child's pain or show the affected area if possible.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine visit with a reliable internet or phone connection.
• Have a caregiver present if your child is very young or unable to communicate clearly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on medications and symptom monitoring.
• Schedule any recommended in-person visits or diagnostic tests.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags and seek emergency care if needed.
• Keep a symptom diary to share with your healthcare provider during follow-up.
• Contact the healthcare provider if you have questions or if symptoms do not improve as expected.

FAQs

What causes peptic ulcers in children?

Peptic ulcers in children can be caused by infections like Helicobacter pylori bacteria, long-term use of certain pain medicines, or other medical conditions that increase stomach acid. Stress and diet may also play a role but are less common causes.

Can telemedicine diagnose a peptic ulcer?

Telemedicine cannot definitively diagnose a peptic ulcer because it requires physical exams and tests like endoscopy. However, it can help assess symptoms and decide if further in-person evaluation is needed.

What should I do if my child vomits blood?

Vomiting blood is a medical emergency. You should seek immediate in-person emergency care for your child, as this may indicate bleeding in the stomach or intestines.

Are peptic ulcers common in children?

Peptic ulcers are less common in children than adults but can still occur. Early recognition and treatment are important to prevent complications.

How are peptic ulcers treated?

Treatment often includes medicines to reduce stomach acid and antibiotics if an infection is present. Lifestyle changes like avoiding certain foods or medicines may also help. A healthcare provider will guide the best treatment plan.

Sources

1. Peptic Ulcer Disease — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Peptic Ulcer Disease in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Peptic Ulcer Disease — Mayo Clinic.
4. Peptic Ulcer Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine can guide initial assessment but cannot replace in-person evaluation, diagnosis, or emergency treatment. Always seek immediate medical attention if your child has severe symptoms or signs of bleeding.