Child health experts have warned that passive smoking, also known as secondhand smoke, may increase the risk of ulcers among teenagers, noting that constant exposure to cigarette smoke could heighten their vulnerability to the condition.
Recent evidence has linked secondhand smoke exposure to a higher risk of peptic ulcer disease even in non-smokers.
The paediatricians, in separate interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, explained that although smoking is widely recognised as a cause of ulcers in adults, children and adolescents exposed to secondhand smoke may also develop the condition, especially as their bodies are more susceptible to environmental and lifestyle risks.
They added that weakened immunity, infections, poor nutrition and indiscriminate drug use are key contributors to ulcer development in children, stressing that these factors often interact to worsen outcomes.
The experts further noted that although ulcers are preventable and treatable, late presentation and poor health-seeking behaviour among parents and caregivers continue to increase the risk of complications in affected children.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, secondhand smoke, also called passive smoking or environmental smoking, refers to exposure to smoke from burning tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars or pipes, as well as the smoke exhaled by smokers.
The online health platform added that secondhand smoke causes thousands of lung cancer and heart disease deaths annually in the United States.
Studies have shown that smoking increases the risk of peptic ulcer disease, particularly among people infected with Helicobacter pylori, by reducing gastric mucus production, promoting duodenal reflux and decreasing blood flow to the intestinal lining.
These changes can facilitate the progression of H. pylori infection and worsen ulcer outcomes.
PUNCH Healthwise had earlier reported that although children can develop ulcers, untreated peptic ulcers may result in complications such as anaemia, bleeding, shock, stomach perforation and, in rare cases, an increased risk of gastric cancer later in life.
Commenting on the development, a Consultant Paediatrician at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina State, Dr Abdurrazzaq Alege, affirmed that exposure to cigarette smoke, even indirectly, could predispose adolescents to ulcers.
He said, “Even before adolescence, children may be constantly exposed to smoke. A passive smoker may be getting all the smoking in the house, and this has also been associated with ulcers.”
Alege noted that such exposure places stress on the body and weakens the immune system.
He added, “Some of their behaviours or exposures, such as passive smoking, have been associated with ulcers. A child constantly exposed to smoke in the home is at risk, and they are even more vulnerable than adults.”
Beyond passive smoking, the expert said several medical conditions and environmental factors could also trigger ulcers in children.
According to him, severe burns affecting a large percentage of the body may also predispose a child to ulcers because of the stress imposed on the body and immune system.
“It is not minor burns, but severe burns involving a large percentage of the body that can predispose a child to ulcer. All these are linked to stress on the body and the immune system,” he said.
The paediatrician further emphasised that poor nutrition and low socio-economic conditions also play a major role, as they increase the risk of infections associated with ulcers.
He further identified Helicobacter pylori, which may be transmitted through poor hygiene and contaminated food or objects, as a major cause of ulcers in children.
“Malnutrition, iron deficiency anaemia and poor hygiene can predispose children to infection, and this can increase their risk of developing ulcers,” Alege added.
On prevention, he stressed the importance of proper nutrition, hygiene and responsible drug use.
Alege warned against the indiscriminate use of painkillers in children, noting that some medications, especially when abused, could damage the stomach lining and trigger ulcers.
“Parents should avoid self-medication. Not all drugs should be given without a prescription. Some of these drugs can do more harm than good,” he cautioned.
Another paediatrician, Dr Tolulope Asare, noted that peptic ulcer disease can occur at any age but is more common in older children and adolescents, with H. pylori infection remaining the leading cause.
She listed other risk factors to include misuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin, steroid abuse, and chronic illnesses that lower immunity.
Asare added that symptoms in older children and teenagers often include abdominal pain or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting and, in severe cases, vomiting blood or passing black stools.
The child health experts stressed that many of the risk factors are preventable, urging parents to reduce children’s exposure to smoke, ensure proper nutrition and discourage indiscriminate use of medications.
“Parents should avoid self-medication and ensure children are properly fed with balanced diets. Hygiene is also very important to prevent infections that may predispose children to ulcers,” she advised.
On treatment, Asare noted that ulcers are treatable, particularly when caused by H. pylori, with medications aimed at eradicating the infection, reducing stomach acid and promoting healing of the stomach lining.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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