Dealing With Acid Reflux In Children
Studies show that Gastroesophageal Reflux or GER, more generally called Acid Reflux, is common among children of all age groups. Even so acid reflux in children, especially in infants can be easily overlooked. An estimated 7 million children in America currently suffer from GER. Children’s immature digestive systems make easy victims for acid reflux but as they grow older (up to 1 or 2 years of age), most children naturally grow out of the problem. If the child’s complaints continue, however, treatment by a pediatrician will be needed.
The Nature Of Acid Reflux
In acid reflux the contents of the stomach i.e. food and gastric acid flow back up into the esophagus which causes irritation and discomfort. The food coming up may or may not also flow out of the child’s mouth. As a result, the child may vomit forcefully or have a wet burp that does not reach the mouth.
The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux In Children
Many different symptoms can present themselves in cases of acid reflux in children. The more common symptoms include:
- pain - irritability - sudden crying - colic - frequent vomiting - spitting-up - inability to eat despite hunger - poor sleep - wet burping or wet hiccup sounds - bad breath
Less common symptoms include:
- difficulty in swallowing - gagging and/or choking - sore throat and the need for constant eating and drinking to soothe it - poor weight gain - weight loss - hoarse voice - respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, noisy breathing, pneumonia etc. - ear infections - sinus infections - excessive salvation - drooling - neck arching
Reflux Condition And Complications In Acid Reflux In Children
In many young babies regurgitation of a little milk, especially when burping after meals,is a common condition. It is not a big problem unless complications appear. Complications that show up are mostly in form of heartburn and esophagitis. Heartburn is the burning sensation caused by acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus. Esophagitis is the swelling and reddening of the esophagus due to acid reflux. It is very painful and can decrease appetite substantially. Severe esophagitis also causes bleeding from the inflamed part of the esophagus. Other complications include poor growth, trouble in swallowing, respiratory problems and damage to tooth enamel leading to tooth decay.
Treating Acid Reflux In Children
There are a number of different treatment methods for dealing with GER in children. Most children recover from the reflux symptoms once they pass a year old. Untill then, proper positioning and feeding techniques will help provide relief. Children should be positioned upright so that gravity prevents the flow of food and acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Frequent burping and avoiding spicy, fatty and acidic foods is also useful in coping with acid reflux in children. A variety of medications are used for treating acid reflux, e.g. antacids, acid suppressors, motility medicines and acid blockers. In very severe cases of reflux surgery may be carried out.
