|  | Family Health | Childrens Health

Children & Acid Reflux

Reflux is a medical condition that causes the contents of the stomach to go back up into the esophagus. The ring that connects the esophagus and the stomach is called the esophageal sphincter, which opens to allow food into the stomach. When it opens and allows food back into the esophagus it is called gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, for short.

  1. Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants

    • Babies often have issues with reflux, because of an esophageal sphincter that may still be developing and strengthening. According to Reflux.org, in an "Overview of Pediatric Reflux and GERD," babies who struggle with this condition: spit up often, and the contents are more than the typical baby burp; spit up more than an hour after eating; are irritable, and may act like they are in pain or colicky; wake frequently due to episodes of reflux; have bad breath; or experience poor weight gain.

    GERD in Older Children and Teens

    • As children get older, many outgrow reflux, but for some it may continue. Older children who still experience problems with GERD may have symptoms such as vomiting, sore throat, weight loss, painful swallowing, pneumonia, wheezing and respiratory problems and heartburn. Treating reflux can be easier in older children who are able to verbalize symptoms and problems.

    How do Doctors Diagnose Reflux?

    • According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, in "411 on Pediatric Acid Reflux and GERD," there are several ways doctors diagnose GERD in infants and older children. The first option is a barium x-ray. In this procedure, the patient drinks barium, and will then have an x-ray done of the esophagus and stomach. Doctors will be able to see how the drink reacts in the stomach, and if they are able to witness any reflux. Another diagnostic tool is frequently referred to as a milk scan. In this test a child drinks a liquid that will show up on an x-ray, and a series of pictures are taken to see how the milk moves through the stomach. The test determines if there is any reflux, and if so, if any of the reflux is reaching the child's lungs.

      A third, more invasive procedure is endoscopy. In this procedure, the child is sedated, and a small flexible tube with a camera is sent down into the esophagus and stomach to look at possible damage. Tissue samples are often taken to see the level of acid damage to the stomach. Lastly, doctors can diagnose reflux using a ph-probe. A ph-probe is a small wire that is sent down the nose into the bottom of the esophagus. Sensors on the probe track how much acid is being backed up into the esophagus over a 24-hour period.

    Complications of GERD

    • In children, reflux typically has minor symptoms, but in serious cases, more severe complications can be observed. According to KidsHealth, in "Gastroesophageal Reflux," children may have problems with: eroded tooth enamel; breathing problems if stomach contents reach the lungs, nose, or trachea; esophagitis, which is an irritated esophagus; esophageal bleeding; and scar tissue in the esophagus.

    Treatment of Acid Reflux

    • There are many tips to alleviate problems with reflux. For children and infants who suffer with this condition, try: raising the head of their mattress so they are not laying flat; holding an infant upright when feeding; thickening formula with rice cereal, depending on the infant's age; not allowing the child to eat for two to three hours before going to bed; giving smaller meals, more frequently to the child; and having the child avoid trigger foods, such as soda, chocolate, foods high in fat, or foods with a high acid content, such as citrus.

      When these recommendations do not work, there are many prescription and over-the-counter medications available to help with GERD. Common prescriptions used with children are Zantac, Pepcid, Prevacid, and Nexium. Parents whose children are suffering from symptoms of GERD should communicate these problems to their child's doctor, and form a plan for treatment.

Childrens Health - Related Articles