How to Handle Acid Reflux in Children

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), commonly known as acid reflux, can affect people of all ages, including acid reflux in children. Approximately seven million children and infants in the United States alone have been documented to suffer from childhood acid reflux. Quite surprisingly, children and infants are most susceptible to acid reflux, due to their immature digestive systems. However, a majority of these children are also susceptible to grow out of the disorder as their bodies mature. If the child's complaints persist, a pediatrician or specialist will be needed.

Nature of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is when acid from the stomach, normally used to digest food, propels itself into the esophagus-the tube that connects one's mouth and stomach-and into the child's mouth. From there, the acid may be ingested again, or thrown up.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Children

As one might assume, stomach acid burns. This may show itself in different symptoms or mannerisms in different children. The difficult thing about children in pain is that they do not know how to express themselves verbally. Thus, caregivers must pay special attention to the symptoms 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; and 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 and/or weight loss; hoarse voice; respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, noisy breathing, pneumonia, et cetera; ear infections; sinus infections; excessive salvation; drooling; and peculiar neck arching.

Reflux Condition and Complications in Acid Reflux in Children

Just like adults can develop complications caused by untreated acid reflux, acid reflux in children can also cause complications. Due to the regurgitation of acid, one can imagine that the repetitive flow of acid will affect the esophagus. Common complications include heartburn and esophagitis. Heartburn is the burning sensation of the esophagus, due to the acid reflux. Esophagitis is the irritation, characterized by the reddening and swelling, of the esophagus by the same reason. Severe esophagitis can also cause bleeding in the esophagus. Both heartburn and esophagitis are very painful, especially for children, who do not know better. This often results in a decreased or non-existent appetite. Poor growth, trouble swallowing, respiratory problems, and melting of tooth enamel leading to tooth decay, are also complications of acid reflux in children.

Treatment of Acid Reflux in Children

As stated above, most children will grow out of their acid reflux. However, for those whose symptoms persist, treatments can vary. One such "treatment" is to position the infant or child upright. By positioning upright, gravity may take over, and keep the stomach acid where it belongs . . . in the stomach. Other non-medicinal treatments include avoiding spicy, fatty and acidic foods, as well as frequent burping. There are also various medicines available for easing acid reflux in children, such as antacids, motility medicines, acid suppressors and acid blockers. However, in very rare severe cases of acid reflux, surgery may have to be performed. Treatment for your child is individualized, and the best plan of action is to work with your child's doctor to determine the correct treatment.

Related articles

How to Handle Acid Reflux in Children

Acid Reflux in Children - A Common Sight?

What you should know about Acid Reflux In Babies

Understanding Acid Reflux In Infants

What you should know about Acid Reflux Babies

Knowing the Symptoms of Infant Acid Reflux

Helping Those Too Little to Help Themselves: Recognizing the Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Babies