Samantha Liz F., 13

Samantha is a 13-year-old girl living at A Children’s Home. She is an orphan who was brought to the home at the age of 10 after being found living on the streets by city police. Despite efforts to trace her relatives, none have been located. The children’s home depends entirely on well-wishers to provide food, clothing, education, and medical care for the children. Samantha is cheerful and enjoys playing football and listening to music during her free time. She dreams of becoming an engineer when she grows up. The home became aware of Helpster Charity through a site visit by Rheemah Medical Practitioners and later through Vincent, a Helpster volunteer. Recently, Samantha began experiencing persistent nausea, intractable vomiting, severe heartburn, epigastric pain, headaches, and diarrhoea. Her appetite significantly declined, and there were days when she could not eat at all. Teachers noticed that she appeared weak and unable to concentrate in class, unlike her peers. She frequently complained of abdominal discomfort and seemed increasingly fatigued. A day before being brought to the hospital, the school administration administered Omeprazole 20 mg and Paracetamol tablets, hoping to relieve her symptoms. However, her condition did not improve. Instead, her vomiting became more frequent, and she developed ongoing diarrhoea, leaving her unable to retain any food or fluids. She appeared visibly weak, dehydrated, and in distress, with worsening abdominal pain and persistent nausea. Recognizing the seriousness of her condition, the school administration informed Virginia, the matron, who urgently brought her to Rheemah Hospital for medical attention. Upon arrival at the hospital, Samantha was actively vomiting, unable to tolerate oral intake, and appeared clinically unwell. After thorough examination and diagnostic tests, she was diagnosed with severe dehydration, exacerbated peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastritis. Given her severe symptoms, risk of dehydration, and inability to feed, her condition required urgent medical intervention and close monitoring to prevent further complications.

Samantha had intractable vomiting ,persistent nausea, persisted heartburns, Headache , diarrhea and epigastric pain. she has not been eating well, and sometimes not eating at all. Teachers were concerned because at times she could not concentrate in class like other students , The school administration had to inform the childrens home, a day before she was brought to the hospital she was given Omeprazole 20mg and Paracetamol tabs but she still had no change. and that's when they informed Virginia who is the Matron who brought her to Rheemah Hospital for Medical assistance. Samantha was seen by medical officer in charge and after a thorough Examination and test done she was diagnosed with PUD , Gastritis. Medicine Administered include i.v Esomeprazole 40mg, I.V Tramadol 100mg, Ondestron in 4mg,, i.v Normal saline, .i.v Hyoscine 20mg, i.v Dextrose 5%, Pylotrip kit, Gaviscon susp, and Buscopan Plus On the day she was brought to the hospital she was vomiting and having Diarrhea and not able to eat anything at all. Under observation for a day, she reported feeling better, she responded well to the treatment according to the matron through a phone call 3 days after discharge

After thorough assessment and investigations, Samantha was diagnosed with gastritis and exacerbated peptic ulcer disease (PUD). The worsening of her ulcer condition likely resulted from prolonged gastric acid irritation, possibly aggravated by stress, irregular meals, and delayed treatment. Her inability to eat and ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms placed her at risk of complications such as worsening the already severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Samantha’s prognosis is good with appropriate treatment and follow-up care. Gastritis and exacerbated peptic ulcer disease typically respond well to medication, dietary modification, and supportive therapy when managed promptly.