Elizabeth K., 13

Elizabeth is a 13-year-old girl living with her parents inone of the slums. Her family faces significant financial hardship following her father's loss of employment during the COVID-19 pandemic and now depends on casual labor to meet their daily needs. Living in an informal settlement has limited their access to quality healthcare and other essential services. Despite these challenges, her parents remain dedicated to providing the best possible care and support for her. Elizabeth had been well until three days before admission, when she developed fever, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, heartburn, chest discomfort, abdominal bloating, flatulence, and early satiety. As her symptoms progressively worsened, she became increasingly uncomfortable and was referred by a Community Health Worker to Rheemah Hospital, where her father brought her for medical care. Following a thorough clinical assessment and laboratory investigations, Elizabeth was diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease, and acute gastritis without bleeding. She was promptly started on treatment and admitted for close monitoring, supportive care, and regular medical review until her condition stabilized.

Elizabeth was well until three days prior to admission when her parents noticed that she had developed a fever, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, epigastric pain, heartburn, chest pain, chest heaviness, flatulence, abdominal bloating, and early satiety. As her condition continued to worsen, she was brought to Rheemah Hospital by her father after being referred by a community health worker for medical attention. Upon arrival at the hospital, a thorough clinical examination and laboratory investigations were conducted by our medical officer. Following assessment, Elizabeth was diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and acute gastritis without bleeding. Prompt treatment was initiated, and she was started on intravenous Esomeprazole, intravenous Hyoscine, intravenous Ondansetron 8 mg, and 500 mL of Dextrose Normal Saline (DNS). Elizabeth was subsequently admitted for one day for close monitoring and management. During her admission, she was closely observed by the nursing team and reviewed regularly by the doctor on duty. By the following day, Elizabeth was responding well to treatment, with significant improvement in her condition. She remained stable throughout her hospital stay and continued to show positive progress under medical care. Having met the discharge criteria, she was discharged home on Pylotrip, Sucrafil O Gel, and Paracetamol 500 mg, with instructions for continued treatment and follow-up care. During a follow-up phone call conducted by the community health worker, it was confirmed that Elizabeth had recovered well and was able to return to school and resume her studies.

Following clinical evaluation and appropriate investigations, Elizabeth was diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and acute gastritis without bleeding. These conditions were identified and treated promptly, resulting in significant improvement in her symptoms during hospitalization. Elizabeth is responding well to the prescribed treatment and remains clinically stable throughout her admission. The prognosis is good, provided that Elizabeth adheres to her medication, maintains proper nutrition, and attends follow-up appointments.