Have you had a stomachache for more than two weeks? It may be more than just indigestion.

One of the causes of chronic abdominal pain in children and adults is gastritis or peptic ulcer disease, which is sometimes caused by the H. pylori bacteria (Helicobacter pylori). H. pylori affect the lining of the stomach or small intestine and cause small ulcers or erosions. These create intense pain when aggravated by bile and other acidic fluids.

Asuncion Ramos-Soriano, MD, FAAP, Pediatric Gastroenterologist

A Global Problem
Anywhere in the world, you may become infected with H. pylori by drinking contaminated water, says Asuncion Ramos-Soriano, MD, FAAP, pediatric gastroenterologist at Doctors Hospital of Laredo.

"The easiest way to avoid this infection is by drinking bottled water or boiling your tap water before drinking or cooking with it," she says.

Signs that bacteria may be present include:

• Chronic abdominal pain
• Bloating and fullness
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in the stool

Adults usually have the most severe erosions in the stomach lining, causing intense pain. Children tend to stop eating and lose weight. Teenagers may develop anorexia or other eating disorders after an H. pylori or other gastrointestinal infection.

Dr. Reynaldo Godines, MD, FACG, Gastroenterologist

Discovery and Treatment
A blood test or stool sample can verify H. pylori infection in children and adults. An endoscopy test can help physicians assess the severity of the illness. At Doctors Hospital or Providence Health Center, Dr. Ramos-Soriano and Dr. Reynaldo Godines, MD, FACG, gastroenterologist at Doctors Hospital, perform endoscopies and other gastrointestinal diagnostic procedures for adults and children.

The patient receives general or local anesthesia before a small, flexible fiber-optic cable is passed through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach and large and small intestines. On the tip of the cable a microscopic camera captures an internal view of the organs, which display on a computer monitor.

"An endoscopy exam can help us assess the illnesses of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum," says Dr. Godines.

An H. pylori infection is treated with a combination of medications.

For diagnosis and treatment of chronic abdominal pain, or to schedule an endoscopy, please call Direct Doctors^SM Plus at 1-877-992-1711.

Stay Healthy: Food Safety Tips

• Do not drink contaminated water.
• Wash hands with antibacterial soap before and after meals.
• Avoid sidewalk vendors and food trucks that may have contaminated water.
• If you suffer from indigestion or chronic stomachaches, avoid overly spicy, greasy or acidic foods that may aggravate your condition.