How to Deal with Acid Reflux in Children

Acid reflux in children is actually more common than one might think. It is also important to note that the consequences of not treating this disease can have the same long term complications seen in adults, namely damage to the esophagus, voice box, and the chance of esophageal cancer.

The first signs that a child may be suffering from acid reflux is difficulty swallowing, eating, and slow or stunted growth. You may also notice increased vomiting or projectile vomiting as well as throwing up green stomach bile. It may also appear to have coffee grounds or blood in it. Your child may also have trouble breathing after throwing up. These are all signs of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) that need to be taken to your child's pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosing acid reflux can be done by identifying symptoms and if needed a series of different tests, depending on what the doctor thinks needs to be done. An x-ray of the upper GI tract done in conjunction of swallowing barium can help diagnose a number of throat and stomach issues. An Endoscopy or esophageal pH probe may also be ordered in which a probe with a small light and camera are inserted down the throat and into the stomach. These procedures will require anastethsia of some type.

If your pediatrician does indeed diagnose acid reflux in your child the first thing that will be recommended to treat the condition is a change in diet. By eating smaller meals and not eating 2 to 3 hours before bed can help alleviate symptoms. It is also recommended that carbonated soft drinks be avoided because they can cause an increase in stomach acid. Chocolate, caffeine, and fatty or fried foods, as well as spicy foods can all cause acid reflux symptoms and should be avoided.

If a change in diet does not help the situation satisfactorily then either over the counter or prescription medications can be used. H2 blockers are the primary OTC drugs of choice for acid reflux while proton pump inhibitors have to be prescribed by a doctor. Both of these types of drugs work by restricting the amount of acid secreted by the stomach. For children who do not respond well to medications surgery can be seen as a last resort to deal with their acid reflux.

Most of the time acid reflux in children starts when they are infants and the vast majority of kids grow out of it as they get older. For those who don't a combination of dietary changes and medications will usually relieve their symptoms, while for more severe cases more invasive procedures may be needed. The best thing to do is talk your child's pediatrician who will make sure all possible options are covered.