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Acid Reflux and Children

by: AimyD
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Acid reflux is generally a condition that is associated with adults, and you rarely hear about it being associated with children. Unfortunately many children suffer from this condition. Before we go too far into it we should discuss acid reflux, what it is and how to treat it.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, also known as gastro-esophageal reflux or GER, occurs when the contents in your stomach begins to churn and rise to the esophagus. There is a muscle that connects the esophagus and the stomach; this is known as the lower esophagus sphincter or LES. The LES is responsible for closing off the stomach until you swallow food. Acid reflux is known to be present in many infants and may carry over into childhood and then into adulthood.

Although this disorder is present in many children, many adults are unaware of its presence. The process of GER occurs very quickly when the acid in the stomach comes into the esophagus and then back down. When this happens at a fast pace the esophagus suffers no damage. On the other hand, if the acid stays in the esophagus too long or even comes into the mouth, similar to vomiting, the esophagus does suffer damage. When the acid does reach the mouth it is very quickly swallowed going back through the esophagus and into the stomach.

Signs of Acid Reflux

Many children suffering from GER will experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain in the abdomen just above the naval
• Chest pain
• Children will become picky about foods or even refuse many foods
• Eat very little at meal time
• Choking
• Lack of weight gain or rapid weight loss
• Bad breath even with good dental hygiene
• Frequent sore throat
• Dry cough
• Pressure on the stomach to the point of intolerance

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms you should contact their pediatrician immediately. Although many of these signs may be associated with other disorders and my even be nothing to worry about, you should talk to a doctor. You would rather be safe that sorry when it come to you child. In many cases there are ways to diagnose GER and there are also ways to treat it.

Diagnosing Acid Reflux

Many doctors will do tests before diagnosing your child with GER. After doing tests and a physical examine your child’s pediatrician may order more testing to determine if this condition has become a more serious condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. Testing for GERD may include:

• Lab testing including blood and urine tests to further relate to the vomiting and poor weight gain or weight loss.

• Upper endoscopies are another type of test in which a small tube with a camera and light are inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus and stomach. This procedure is used in the case that there is a stricture or narrowing and inflammation in the esophagus.

• An Esophageal pH monitoring test will measure the levels of acid in your child’s esophagus.

Treatments of Acid Reflux

If a child is diagnosed with GER doctors may prescribe or suggest giving your child one of the following:

• Acid blockers to block the acid production in the stomach, these medications include Nexium, Aciphex, and Prilosec.

• Antacids to neutralize the stomach acid, these medications include Tums and Maalox.

• Acid suppressers used to suppress acid in the stomach, these medications include Pepcid, and Zantac.

You should remember that your child’s pediatrician should be the only one to prescribe these medications to your child. Even though the medications work you should talk to a doctor before you begin any type of regimen for this disorder or any other type of disorder. Be happy. Be healthy.

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Acid Reflux and Children

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