Principles of Rational Dispensary Follow-up and Prevention of Chronic Gastritis in School-age Children

Abstract

Chronic gastroduodenal pathology in children remains an important pediatric problem because of its high prevalence, age-related variability of clinical manifestations, recurrent course, risk of complications, and need for long-term monitoring. To systematize the principles of rational dispensary follow-up and prevention of chronic gastritis in school-age children, with emphasis on diagnostic surveillance, individualized treatment, rehabilitation, and criteria for evaluating follow-up effectiveness. A narrative analytical review was performed using the pediatric gastroenterology textbooks, practical manuals, scientific publications, and regulatory documents cited in the manuscript. The material was grouped according to the main components of dispensary care: clinical assessment, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics, frequency of specialist examinations, treatment and anti-relapse measures, dietary and lifestyle interventions, rehabilitation, and criteria for removal from dispensary registration. Rational follow-up is based on continuity of care, individualization, systematic monitoring, and coordination between primary care, specialist, hospital, rehabilitation, and sanatorium services. During the first year after registration, general-practitioner assessment is recommended every three months, followed by twice-yearly monitoring, while key laboratory and instrumental examinations are generally performed annually or as clinically indicated. Preventive management includes nutritional correction, lifestyle modification, treatment of clinically significant gastroduodenal dysfunction and Helicobacter pylori infection when present, anti-relapse measures, physical rehabilitation, and health education. A structured, continuous, and individualized dispensary approach may reduce recurrence risk, improve rehabilitation, and support timely transition of children with chronic gastritis from active follow-up to routine observation.