Ulcers: A Pediatric Disease?

When do people “catch” ulcers? Many ulcers are caused by a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. When does this infection occur? A study published in the March 16, 2002 issue of the Lancet followed people from infancy into adulthood. The average age of infection was 7.5 years.

Most people who eventually would be infected were already infected by age 10, even though the ulcers did not appear until adulthood. How do children “catch” ulcers? The bacteria are swallowed.

Cleaning the hands before eating and before preparing food is the best way known to prevent this.