Acid Reflux in School-age Children

School-age children who suffer from acid reflux have many options for effective treatment. Parents can work closely with their child's teacher and school nurse to ensure that their child receives correct medication during the school day as well as an encouraging environment, preventing acid reflux from obstructing their education and learning experience while at school.

Symptoms

• School-age children who suffer from acid reflux may have severe burping with large amounts of stomach acid, an aggressive need to clear their throat and severe stomach pain. School-age children who suffer from acid reflux while at school and do not receive treatment at the time of reflux may not be able to concentrate and focus as well as suffer from dehydration, fatigue, low blood sugar and malnutrition, which may lead to poor and inconsistent academic performance while at school. In addition, children may also have low frustration tolerance and patience and act out with negative reactions and behavior.

Home Treatment

• Try giving your school-age child several small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. Make sure your child stays upright for at least two hours after meals and eating. Limit foods that contain acid such as citrus and tomato products, carbonated beverages and candy such as licorice and chocolate. Encourage your child to be active every day and participate in some form of exercise. Avoid medications that contain aspirin and all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Professional Treatment

• If your child has persistent acid reflux that shows little improvement with home treatments, your pediatrician may recommend the use of antacids such as Maalox or Mylanta, but follow dosage guidelines carefully as high doses of antacids can lead to constipation or diarrhea and even rickets, a condition where thinning of the bones occurs. Acid blockers such as Zantac, Pepcid and Tagamet may also provide your school-age child relief from acid reflux. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are also effective and prevent acid reflux by reducing the production of acid in the stomach. These include Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium and Axid. Possible prescription medications that your pediatrician may recommend are Reglan, which speeds up the digestion process, and Erythromycin, which induces strong stomach contractions, both reducing acid reflux. Surgery is not often used to treat acid reflux in school-age children, but is available for severe cases of reflux that are resulting in health complications and/or not remedied by medications.

Prevention/Solution

• Prevent acid reflux complications for your child while at school by packing lunches with food and drinks that do not trigger acid reflux as an alternative to cafeteria food and ask school officials for extra time if your child is not able to eat meals slowly and calmly, increasing acid reflux complications. Also ask that activities after meals such as recess and PE be reduced or restricted. Make sure your child has access to water and snacks if necessary and bathroom privileges at any time. Ensure that your child is able to obtain medication at any point during the day if acid reflux problems arise. Ask your child's teacher to monitor any special treats and food given during special occasions and holiday celebrations in the classroom.

Considerations

• Schedule a meeting with your child's teacher and school nurse to discuss your child's acid reflux and the best strategies for treating and maintaining the condition as well as medication dosage and scheduling while your child will be at school. Create an index card for your child's teacher and school nurse with your child's name on it, a description of acid reflux and its symptoms, and the most effective way to treat your child's acid reflux as well as any medication dosage information.