What to Give Children for Heartburn

While it is more common in adults, many children do suffer from heartburn. Sometimes, however, it is a symptom of a more serious health issue, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Because of this, if heartburn persists, you should take your child to a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention

• First of all, it is best to try to prevent heartburn if at all possible, starting with the child's diet. Avoid fatty and fried foods, as well as cheese, milk, chocolate, other dairy products, and citrus fruits and drinks. Often, eating four or five smaller meals a day is better than three larger meals. Keep a diary of the foods your child eats, whether or not heartburn occurred after eating them and, if it did, how severe it was. Try to narrow down the causes for heartburn in your child.
  Also, don't allow your child to eat late at night before bed. He should also not lie down or bend at the waste for about 20 to 30 minutes after eating any meal.
  Finally, control your child's weight, since overweight children suffer more from heartburn than normal-size children.

Treatments

• Several over-the-counter medicines may be safe for your children, including Pepto-Bismol and Tums. Read the label carefully and call your doctor if dosing amounts do not include your child's age.
  In addition, your doctor may prescribe a proton pump inhibitor medicine such as Protonix or Previcid, which will help the stomach produce less acid, which in turn will reduce heartburn.