Acid reflux in children

Acid reflux can be found in new born babies and it can continue through childhood and into adult life. Although most small children can outgrow the disease it can also last for life. In small children it can be hard to detect but when the child is ranging between 5 and 17 years of age you should be able to see signs that will let you know if the child is suffering from GERD.

If you think you child is suffering from acid reflux disease then it is imperative that you see a doctor and have the diagnosis confirmed as soon as possible, then proper relief from the heartburn they are suffering can be given. Children may need a different treatment than an adult especially in the dosage of medication they may be given.

One of the big questions is how do you know if you child is suffering from acid reflux disease? What are the signs and symptoms to look out for? The following symptoms are what you need to check although some sufferers could have all or only one of the symptoms.

• The first problem is heartburn. Does the child suffer from a burning sensation in the upper stomach or esophagus, especially after meals?
• They could have pain in the chest area or in the top of there abdomen.
• Is there a burning sensation in the esophageal or throat areas?
• Are they hungry but only eat small amounts. This could be because they know they will be in pain if they eat too much.
• Does it hurt the stomach area if pressure is put on it?
• Do they have bad breath?
• Are they ever choking or gagging because of acid in the throat area.
• They could be very picky with there food or indeed refuse to eat altogether
• Do they have regular sore throats?
• Do they have a dry cough continually, or a runny nose?
• Is there weight ok. Are they gaining enough weight or are they even loosing weight.
• Do they have to sit up at night after lying down in bed and do they end up coughing through the night. Do they wake up through the night gagging? Is there overall nightly sleep enough or do they wake up tired.
• Are there excessive saliva or drooling, and do they appear hoarse or find it hard to talk.
• Do they have signs of sinusitis, ear infections or ear congestion?
• Are there any respiratory problems, asthma, bronchitis or a wheezing chest?

Any or all of these symptoms could mean your child is suffering from acid reflux and requires treatment. Your doctor should examine the child and it may need several tests like lab testing to determine the problem. A doctor may be able to determine what is causing the acid reflux and may be able to remedy the problem. If after taking medication the problem persists then other tests may be needed including a ph probe, upper GI examination or Endoscopy.

PH monitoring is a test that allows the doctor to measure the amount of acid that is present in the area of your child’s esophagus.  Endoscopy involves inserting a tube through the mouth and into the esophagus and stomach it is attached with a light and a camera lens to look inside and determine the problem.  It allows doctors to see if there is any inflammation of the esophagus, any narrowing of the esophagus, or the presence of a hiatus hernia.

The doctor should also recommend some home care techniques and diet modifications to help avoid acid reflux or reduce symptoms. Though the most common relief for GERD include taking one of the three major acid reflux medications which includes antacids, acid blockers, and acid suppressers there are also natural remedies that can be safely practiced at home. 

You child should be eating the following foods Cabbage, Bananas, Green beans, Peas, ground beef which is extra lean, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Fish, Egg whites, Egg substitutes, Skinless chicken breasts, dairy products which are fat free, Corn bread, Multigrain breads, rice Brown or white, Jelly beans, Red liquorice, Mineral water(not fizzy) baked potatoes, and rice cakes.

At the same time foods to avoid with acid reflux include pastries, deep fried foods caffeine found in teas, coffee and sodas, high fat content foods, Chocolate, Alcoholic drinks (children should not have these anyway), Fruit juices, Onions, Citrus fruits, and Products which are tomato-based.

Other things that your doctor will probably recommend are to chew the food properly to aid digestion and not eating 2 to three hours before a nap or going to bedto avoid nighttime acid reflux. Over tight clothes can also cause a problem.