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Acid Reflux Heartburn:::Acid Reflux In Children
Acid Reflux in Children
Acid Reflux in Children
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With symptoms of Acid reflux in children and infants can
be hard as clear communication is a major stumbling
block. Frequently children cannot even tell you where it
hurts or give you good clues to what is happening to
them. Infants of course can only complain and cry which
increases stress levels and urgency. This is especially
true for those children suffering from symptoms of acid
reflux or gastric esophageal reflux (GER) also known as
plain gastric reflux. According to experts the most
common symptoms of acid reflux in children include
frequent or chronic vomiting, persistent cough chest pain,
wet burps and regurgitating and reswallowing.
Unfortunately some of these symptoms are also common
with healthy children and infants.
Additional symptoms of acid reflux in children include bad
breath, constant crying (colic), picky eating, sore throat,
ear infections, nighttime sleep problems, gagging and
choking, drooling, chronic running nose and many more.
Any parent will identify with many of these listed
symptoms. Every child has one or more of these
symptoms before he or she reaches the terrible twos. So
what is a father or mother to do since so many of these
symptoms are caused by something or many things that
have nothing to do with symptoms of acid reflux in
children? The easiest answer is to consult with your
pediatrician or family physician. Children frequently do
out grow acid reflux disorders. However, ignoring
symptoms of acid reflux in children can lead to a more
serious condition called GERD or gastro esophageal
reflux disease. Basically you cannot afford to take a
chance and need to consult with a medical professional
that is familiar with symptoms of acid reflux in children.
Acid reflux symptoms in children are diagnosed by
providing the doctor a list to the child’s observed
symptoms. These details and along with a good exam
should allow the doctor to make a correct diagnosis.
However there are times when additional test may be
required especially if gastro esophageal reflux disease is
suspected. Many doctors will use a pH probe to determine
acid level above the lower esophageal sphincter or LES.
This valve or sphincter is supposed to keep stomach acid
from flowing up the esophagus. However if the muscle
that controls the opening and closing of LES is weak or
damaged then acid is allowed to reflux up the esophagus.
The pH probe is passed through the nose into the
esophagus. This thin tube then left in the lower portion of
the esophagus where it measures the pH levels and
frequency of gastric reflux over a period of 12 to 24 hours.
If high levels of acid reflux are detected then further test
may be required. Frequently an endoscope is placed
down the esophagus to determine the condition of the
LES and damage to the esophagus from acid reflux. If
Severe damage is detected a diagnosis of GERD will likely
be made requiring further tests and immediate treatment.
Symptoms of acid reflux in children can be treated
effectively using changes in care and lifestyle. Simple
things that you can use mitigate the symptoms for an
infant or small child include keeping the baby upright after
feeding even if he or she falls a sleep. Elevating the head
of the crib and frequently checking to make sure the baby’
s head is higher than it abdomen. Initiating the feeding of
solid food will also help. Keep a log of what and when you
feed the baby to help you isolate food or drink that may
increase the symptoms of acid reflux in your child. Make
sure you discuss these options with your doctor prior to
applying them.
Symptoms of acid reflux in older children may be
addressed and treated by changing what and how they
eat. Several smaller meals each day will lessen the
pressure on the LES muscle and reduce gastric reflux.
Again elevating the head of your childs bed will reduce
the pressure on the LES muscle and assure a good
nights sleep which in itself reduces stress and increases
the well being of the child. Raising the bed a mere 3
inches using a bricks or two 2X4 boards will be sufficient
to accomplish the needed incline. Do not let your child lay
down for at least 30 minutes after eating. Also do not let
your children sit in front of the TV or computer for hours
at a time. Exercise is an important factor in digestion and
growth which will reduce the symptoms of acid reflux in
your children. Most importantly limit high acid foods,
carbonated beverages, high sugar drinks and spicy foods
from your children's diet. In addition there is an apparent
link between childhood obesity and symptoms of
heartburn in Children. Exercise and a healthy diet will go a
long way in reducing symptoms of acid reflux in children
If you suspect your child is suffering from the symptoms
of acid reflux you should consult your pediatrician or
doctor for a proper diagnosis. Many symptoms of acid
reflux in children are masked or are similar to those from
other conditions. Most children naturally outgrow the acid
reflux heartburn problems. However acid reflux
symptoms in children if left untreated may lead to a more
serious condition. Prescribed medications can be used in
cases of severe symptoms or when GERD is diagnosed.
Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to reducing and
or curing the symptoms of acid reflux in children.
Acid Reflux Problems in Children
be hard as clear communication is a major stumbling
block. Frequently children cannot even tell you where it
hurts or give you good clues to what is happening to
them. Infants of course can only complain and cry which
increases stress levels and urgency. This is especially
true for those children suffering from symptoms of acid
reflux or gastric esophageal reflux (GER) also known as
plain gastric reflux. According to experts the most
common symptoms of acid reflux in children include
frequent or chronic vomiting, persistent cough chest pain,
wet burps and regurgitating and reswallowing.
Unfortunately some of these symptoms are also common
with healthy children and infants.
Additional symptoms of acid reflux in children include bad
breath, constant crying (colic), picky eating, sore throat,
ear infections, nighttime sleep problems, gagging and
choking, drooling, chronic running nose and many more.
Any parent will identify with many of these listed
symptoms. Every child has one or more of these
symptoms before he or she reaches the terrible twos. So
what is a father or mother to do since so many of these
symptoms are caused by something or many things that
have nothing to do with symptoms of acid reflux in
children? The easiest answer is to consult with your
pediatrician or family physician. Children frequently do
out grow acid reflux disorders. However, ignoring
symptoms of acid reflux in children can lead to a more
serious condition called GERD or gastro esophageal
reflux disease. Basically you cannot afford to take a
chance and need to consult with a medical professional
that is familiar with symptoms of acid reflux in children.
Acid reflux symptoms in children are diagnosed by
providing the doctor a list to the child’s observed
symptoms. These details and along with a good exam
should allow the doctor to make a correct diagnosis.
However there are times when additional test may be
required especially if gastro esophageal reflux disease is
suspected. Many doctors will use a pH probe to determine
acid level above the lower esophageal sphincter or LES.
This valve or sphincter is supposed to keep stomach acid
from flowing up the esophagus. However if the muscle
that controls the opening and closing of LES is weak or
damaged then acid is allowed to reflux up the esophagus.
The pH probe is passed through the nose into the
esophagus. This thin tube then left in the lower portion of
the esophagus where it measures the pH levels and
frequency of gastric reflux over a period of 12 to 24 hours.
If high levels of acid reflux are detected then further test
may be required. Frequently an endoscope is placed
down the esophagus to determine the condition of the
LES and damage to the esophagus from acid reflux. If
Severe damage is detected a diagnosis of GERD will likely
be made requiring further tests and immediate treatment.
Symptoms of acid reflux in children can be treated
effectively using changes in care and lifestyle. Simple
things that you can use mitigate the symptoms for an
infant or small child include keeping the baby upright after
feeding even if he or she falls a sleep. Elevating the head
of the crib and frequently checking to make sure the baby’
s head is higher than it abdomen. Initiating the feeding of
solid food will also help. Keep a log of what and when you
feed the baby to help you isolate food or drink that may
increase the symptoms of acid reflux in your child. Make
sure you discuss these options with your doctor prior to
applying them.
Symptoms of acid reflux in older children may be
addressed and treated by changing what and how they
eat. Several smaller meals each day will lessen the
pressure on the LES muscle and reduce gastric reflux.
Again elevating the head of your childs bed will reduce
the pressure on the LES muscle and assure a good
nights sleep which in itself reduces stress and increases
the well being of the child. Raising the bed a mere 3
inches using a bricks or two 2X4 boards will be sufficient
to accomplish the needed incline. Do not let your child lay
down for at least 30 minutes after eating. Also do not let
your children sit in front of the TV or computer for hours
at a time. Exercise is an important factor in digestion and
growth which will reduce the symptoms of acid reflux in
your children. Most importantly limit high acid foods,
carbonated beverages, high sugar drinks and spicy foods
from your children's diet. In addition there is an apparent
link between childhood obesity and symptoms of
heartburn in Children. Exercise and a healthy diet will go a
long way in reducing symptoms of acid reflux in children
If you suspect your child is suffering from the symptoms
of acid reflux you should consult your pediatrician or
doctor for a proper diagnosis. Many symptoms of acid
reflux in children are masked or are similar to those from
other conditions. Most children naturally outgrow the acid
reflux heartburn problems. However acid reflux
symptoms in children if left untreated may lead to a more
serious condition. Prescribed medications can be used in
cases of severe symptoms or when GERD is diagnosed.
Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to reducing and
or curing the symptoms of acid reflux in children.
Acid Reflux Problems in Children
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The Acid Reflux Heartburn Cure |
| By James Kesel,MS |
