Acid Reflux: Recognizing and Treating Acid Reflux in Children

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or more commonly known as acid reflux can cause distress even with infants and young children. Acid reflux in children occurs when there is incomplete closure of the lower esophageal sphincter which allows the stomach acids that are used for digestion to flow back into the esophagus. Unfortunately, the symptoms of GERD are harder to detect with young children than they are with adults.

Some of the most common symptoms for acid reflux in children are:

1. frequent chest pains
2. bloating
3. choking
4. unexplained weight loss
5. sore throats
6. extreme food pickiness
7. poor appetite
8. bad breath
9. excessive night coughing
10. sinus infections
11. poor sleeping habits
12. abdominal pain just slightly above the belly button area

If you see any of the symptoms above with your child, be sure to consult a doctor right away who can help you detect if your child has acid reflux. A doctor can easily recognize acid reflux in children through different clinical tests. Some of these tests are

1. esophageal pH monitoring - this test measures the acid present in the esophagus
2. routine urine and blood tests - these tests may help the doctor check on other possible reasons for weight loss and other symptoms
3. upper endoscopy test - this test requires a tube with a camera lens to be inserted in the child's throat and esophagus which can help the doctor view any abnormal narrowing or swelling of the esophagus.

The treatment for acid reflux in children may differ from that given to adults in terms of dosage, but will also include the usual acid reflux relief medications such as acid suppressants, antacids and acid blockers. It is also important to help your child learn good eating habits, such as avoiding eating food about 2-3 hours before bedtime. You can also introduce foods in your child's diet that can help relieve acid reflux. Some of these foods are:

1. fruits such as apples and bananas
2. lean meat
3. beans and legumes
4. green leafy vegetables
5. fish
6. fat free dairy products
7. graham crackers
8. whole wheat products

Remember to consult your doctor first before introducing changes to your child's diet.

Acid reflux in children is often undetected, because the symptoms vary from one child to the next. If your child has poor eating and sleeping habits, frequently complains of abdominal pain, and exhibits unexplained weight los, you should bring your child to the doctor for immediate medical attention.