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Signs of GERD in Children

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic digestive condition that can effect children as well as adults. Spitting up is common in infants, but frequent vomiting can be a sign of GERD, according to WebMD.

  1. Function

    • GERD is caused by stomach acid or bile reflux, or backward flow, into the esophagus where it irritates the esophogeal lining, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Significance

    • Infants can experience GERD due to an immature and poorly coordinated digestive tract, according to WebMD. Usually they grow out of it by the time they are one year old.

    Symptoms

    • Frequent vomiting, heartburn, gas, frequent coughing, abdominal pain and difficulty eating are common symptoms of GERD in infants and children, according to WebMD.

    Diagnosis

    • GERD can be diagnosed in children by X-raying the digestive tract after swallowing barium, using a pH probe to measure the levels of stomach acid, doing an endoscopy that allows a doctor to see the inside of the digestive tract or by conducting a gastric emptying study that utilizes a radioactive drink and a special camera, according to WebMD.

    Prevention/Solution

    • GERD can be treated in infants and children by changing eating habits and by using pharmaceutical drugs to fight gas and reduce stomach acid, according to WebMD.

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