Dealing With Acid Reflux In Children
Studies reveal that Acid Reflux is common among children of varying
age groups, though acid reflux in children, especially in infants, may
be overlooked easily. An estimated 7,000,000 children in the US
currently suffer from GER. Children’s immature digestive systems are
easy victims to acid reflux and as they grow up (up to one or two years
of age), most children naturally come out of the problem. In case the
child’s complaints continue, treatment by a pediatrician will be in
need.
Nature Of Acid Reflux
In acid reflux, stomach contents i.e. food and gastric acid flow back up
out of the stomach into the esophagus causing irritation and discomfort.
The food coming up may or may not flow out of the child’s mouth. As a
result, the child may vomit forcefully or have a wet burp that does not
reach the mouth.
Symptoms Of Acid Reflux In Children
Many different symptoms can show in cases of acid reflux in children.
The more common symptoms include: pain, irritability, sudden crying,
colic; frequent vomiting or just spitting-up; inability to eat despite
hunger; poor sleep; emission of wet burp or wet hiccup sounds; bad
breath.
Less common symptoms include: difficulty in swallowing, gagging, and/or
choking; sore throat and the need for constant eating and drinking to
soothe it; poor weight gain, weight loss; hoarse voice; respiratory
problems like asthma, bronchitis, noisy breathing, pneumonia etc.; ear
infections, sinus infections, excessive salvation, drooling, and
peculiar neck arching.
Reflux Condition And Complications In Acid Reflux In Children
In many young babies, regurgitation of a little milk, especially when
burping after meals, is a common condition. It is not a bog problem
until complications appear. Complications show up mostly in form of
heartburn and esophagitis. Heartburn is the burning sensation resulting
from the flow of acid from stomach into the esophagus. Esophagitis is
the reddening and swelling of the esophagus due to acid reflux. It is
very painful and can kill appetite. Severe esophagitis also causes
bleeding from the inflamed part of the esophagus. Other complications
include poor growth, trouble in swallowing, respiratory problems, and
melting of tooth enamel leading to tooth decay.
Treatment Of Acid Reflux In Children
Different treatment methods are used for dealing with GER in children.
Most children come out of the reflux situation after they get a year
old. Till then, proper positioning and feeding techniques will do to
provide relief. Children are to be positioned upright such that gravity
does not allow flow of food and acid from the stomach into the esophagus.
Frequent burping and avoiding spicy, fatty and acidic foods is also
needed in coping with acid reflux in children. A variety of medications
are used for treating acid reflux, e.g. antacids, motility medicines,
acid suppressors, and acid blockers. In very severe cases of reflux,
surgery is performed.
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