Children and GERD

 

English: X-ray of the abdomen and chest in a patient with a gastrostomy. Radiocontrast was injected into the stomach and quickly seen migrating upwards through the entire esophagus. The patient had severe reflux esophagitis (Los Angeles grade D). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

GERD is the acronym for Gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is the more advanced stage of GER or gastroesophageal reflux. It happens whenever the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) unexpectedly opens at different times and improperly closes causing food or liquid to go up to the esophagus.

Whenever GER or acid reflux happens, the esophagus contents can be tasted at the rear end of the mouth. The acid that that came up with the food or liquid in the stomach causes a stinging feeling when it reaching the esophagus lining. This sensation will be felt in the chest and/or throat and knows as heartburn. Relentless reflux of more than 2 times a week is considered to be a case of GERD.

GERD Symptoms

The gastroesophageal reflux disease manifest the main symptom of constant acid indigestion or more commonly known as heartburn. An individual suffering middle chest aches especially near the breast bone until the middle part of the abdomen is probably experiencing heartburn.

However, children below 12 years old who are diagnosed with GERD as well as several adults could be having GERD minus the heartburn.

GERD in Children

GER among children of less than 1 year of age are often normal as most outgrow this by the time they turn 1. However, in the event that reflux still persists after they turn a year older, then the baby may have GERD already. This assumption will strengthen if the child shows irritability especially when he or she is eating or after eating. Other worse symptoms may include refusal to eat as well as stunted growth.

Talk to your doctor in case you noticed signs that your child has GER especially the more advanced GERD. In most cases, they will advise you with some strategies to avoid reflux in infants such as making the baby burp after eating and/or providing frequent but smaller meals to him or her.

Some other ways of avoiding GERD from developing in children is by avoiding certain kinds of foods such as caffeine rich sodas, peppermint, food rich in acid like oranges and tomatoes, fried as well as fat loaded foods.

These simple ways combined with avoiding ingestion of food at least 2 hours before bed time will also help the baby from suffering GERD.

All in all, GERD like other advanced stages of sickness or disease requires more rigid or stronger measures to treat. Thus, it is highly advisable that you be watchful that GER does not develop further. So be conscious of the symptoms shown in your children and bring them to your medical doctor or health provider the first instant that they show persistency in the symptoms. Do that and you should enjoy having a healthy and happy baby now and forever.