Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Children
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Children
The symptoms of GERD can vary from child to child, but some of the common symptoms of GERD include frequent vomiting, loosing weight, irritability, crying, coughing, scratchy or hoarse voice, wheezing, slow rate of growth or refusing to eat. These symptoms may improve with treatment.
Young children can't always explain what exactly they feel when they are experiencing GERD. Some kids may complain of having a yucky taste in their mouth or a burning sensation in his throat after he burps. They may also experience frequent vomiting, salty tasting spit, stomachache, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, scratchy or hoarse voice, wheezing, coughing, frequent throat clearing or weight loss.
Most children are able to decrease their reflux symptoms with lifestyle and diet changes. These changes are listed below:
1. Have your child eat smaller meals more often.
2. Avoid eating 2-3 hours before bedtime.
3. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees.
4. Try having your child sleep on his left side.
5. Avoid carbonated drinks, chocolate, caffeine, and foods that are high in fat
(French fries, pizza) or contain a lot of acid (citrus, pickles, tomato products)
or spicy foods.
6. Avoid wearing clothes that have tight waistbands
7. Avoid large meals prior to exercise.
8. Help your child lose weight if they are overweight.
9. Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke
How is GERD treated
The first step is to talk with your child's doctor about the symptoms that your child is
experiencing. The treatment usually depends on your child's age and his symptoms. Your doctor may suggest the tips outlined in the above section. It is not necessary to treat a happy spitter. However, if you've made lifestyle changes and dietary changes
and your child continues to have symptoms, your doctor may suggest that your child try an oral medicine that treats acid reflux. There are many different types of medicines used to treat GERD. Some only reduce the symptoms, others actually help heal the
esophageal damage caused by the acid.
Occasionally, we may suggest your child undergo a test to rule out other
causes of gastrointestinal problems called an Upper GI. This test is done in
the radiology department of the hospital.
It is uncommon for children to require surgery for GERD. However, surgery may be needed in severe reflux cases or when medicines have not helped the symptoms.
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