Remember Me
forgot your password?

Symptoms Of Acid Reflux In Children

Acid reflux symptoms in children and infants can be hard to detect. The lack of clear communication is a major stumbling block. Frequently children cannot even tell you where it hurts or give you good clues to what is happening to them. Infants of course can only complain and cry which increases stress levels and urgency. This is especially true for those children suffering from symptoms of acid reflux or gastric esophageal reflux (GER) also known as plain gastric reflux. According to experts the most common acid reflux symptoms in children include frequent or chronic vomiting, persistent cough chest pain, wet burps and regurgitating and reswallowing. Unfortunately some of these symptoms are also common with healthy children and infants.

Additional symptoms of acid reflux in children include bad breath, constant crying (colic), picky eating, sore throat, ear infections, nighttime sleep problems, gagging and choking, drooling, chronic running nose and many more. Any parent will identify with many of these listed symptoms. Every child has one or more of these symptoms before he or she reaches the terrible twos. So what is a father or mother to do since so many of these symptoms are caused by something or many things that have nothing to do with acid reflux symptoms in children? The easiest answer is to consult with your pediatrician or family physician. Children frequently do out grow acid reflux disorders. However, ignoring acid reflux symptoms in children can lead to a more serious condition called GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disease. Basically you cannot afford to take a chance and need to consult with a medical professional that is familiar with acid reflux symptoms in children.

Acid reflux symptoms in children are diagnosed by providing the doctor a list to the child's observed symptoms. These details and along with a good exam should allow the doctor to make a correct diagnosis. However there are times when additional test may be required especially if gastro esophageal reflux disease is suspected. Many doctors will use a pH probe to determine acid level above the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. This valve or sphincter is supposed to keep stomach acid from flowing up the esophagus. However if the muscle that controls the opening and closing of LES is weak or damaged then acid is allowed to reflux up the esophagus. The pH probe is passed through the nose into the esophagus. This thin tube then left in the lower portion of the esophagus where it measures the pH levels and frequency of gastric reflux over a period of 12 to 24 hours. If high levels of acid reflux are detected then further test may be required. Frequently an endoscope is placed down the esophagus to determine the condition of the LES and damage to the esophagus from acid reflux. If Severe damage is detected a diagnosis of GERD will likely be made requiring further tests and immediate treatment.

Symptoms of acid reflux in children can be treated effectively using changes in care and lifestyle. Simple things that you can use mitigate the symptoms for an infant or small child include keeping the baby upright after feeding even if he or she falls a sleep. Elevating the head of the crib and frequently checking to make sure the baby's head is higher than it abdomen. Initiating the feeding of solid food will also help. Keep a log of what and when you feed the baby to help you isolate food or drink that may increase the symptoms of acid reflux in your child. Make sure you discuss these options with your doctor prior to applying them.

Symptoms of acid reflux in older children may be addressed and treated by changing what and how they eat. Several smaller meals each day will lessen the pressure on the LES muscle and reduce gastric reflux. Again elevating the head of your childs bed will reduce the pressure on the LES muscle and assure a good nights sleep which in itself reduces stress and increases the well being of the child. Raising the bed a mere 3 inches using a bricks or two 2X4 boards will be sufficient to accomplish the needed incline. Do not let your child lay down for at least 30 minutes after eating. Also do not let your children sit in front of the TV or computer for hours at a time. Exercise is an important factor in digestion and growth which will reduce the symptoms of acid reflux in your children. Most importantly limit high acid foods, carbonated beverages, high sugar drinks and spicy foods from your childrens diet. In addition there is an apparent link between childhood obesity and symptoms of heartburn in Children. Exercise and a healthy diet will go a long way in reducing symptoms of acid reflux in children

If you suspect your child is suffering from the symptoms of acid reflux you should consult your pediatrician or doctor for a proper diagnosis. Many symptoms of acid reflux in children are masked or are similar to those from other conditions. Most children naturally outgrow the acid reflux heartburn problems. However acid reflux symptoms in children if left untreated may lead to a more serious condition. Prescribed medications can be used in cases of severe symptoms or when GERD is diagnosed. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to reducing and or curing the symptoms of acid reflux in children.

Jim Kesel
James Kesel, MS. is the publisher of Acid Reflux Heartburn Cure. The site provides information on GERD, Gastric Esophageal Reflux, Acid Reflux Disease, Acid Reflux, Heartburn, Heartburn Medication, Gastric Reflux and Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Children.
Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Medicine Articles
  • More from Jim Kesel

More About Acne Treatment

By: CD Mohatta | 12/11/2009
Do celebrities get Acne? With all the money at their disposal and the best doctors they can call we may think that celebrities skin does not show spots. The truth may be otherwise. Acne does not know the owner of the skin and it appears anywhere on anybody if conditions are...

Health Care Services in India

By: Maria Daniel | 12/11/2009
The ever growing health consciousness among the citizens of India has led to the burgeoning healthcare service providers across the country. In fact, the healthcare services industry plays an important part in the economy of the country.

Bacterial Vaginosis Causes, Symptoms And Treatments

By: Yolanda Davenport | 12/11/2009
Bacterial Vaginosis is a condition that occurs in the vagina that leads to produce vaginal discharge. This is the result of having an overgrowth of bacteria (normal) in that area of the body. When multiple species of normal bacteria will become imbalance, this will lead to vaginal discharge that is...

Xenical helps cure obesity

By: Anthony Delar | 12/11/2009
Xenical orlistat is a prescription weight loss medication. Manufactured by Roche pharmaceuticals, Xenical works on your digestive system to help prevent the absorption of one-third of your dietary fat. The undigested fat passes out of your body. Thus, this reduction in calorie in-take helps you to gradually lose weight.

Body Vibration Machine - The Home Exercise Equipment

By: Sanjana Sharma | 12/11/2009
You will find a whole lot of body vibration machines in the market claiming to help you improve your workouts, lose weight, and increase the density of your bone.

Holistic Methods for the Treatment of Drug Addiction

By: Steve | 12/11/2009
Drug addiction is a compulsive disorder which occurs due to excessive use of drugs. The most difficult hurdle for a person is to quit this habit. Often people feel ashamed to go to a drug rehab treatment center. For some people, recognizing this addiction as a habit becomes difficult. With the support of friends and family members, the addicts can quit this habit and start their life afresh. Confrontation is not the first step to heal them

Air Ambulance India emergency service – worldwide coverage of medical treatment

By: Sachin gambhir | 12/11/2009
India is specializes in arranging Air Ambulance for medical emergency flight service, which are staffed by Flight Nurses and Flight Paramedics.

Air Ambulance India specializes in Patient Transport

By: Sachin gambhir | 12/11/2009
India has teams of in house aviation and travel experts who will make the arrangements necessary to deal with any medical or security request requiring ground or Air Ambulance transportation.

Use Delden Garage Doors to Protect Your Home and Its Contents

By: Jim Kesel | 05/11/2008 | Home Improvement
Delden Garage Doors is a regional garage door manufacturer and installer that located in middle of the USA with offices in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri. Delden Garage Doors also owns the Amarr garage door company. Delden has been manufacturing garage doors since the mid 1960's. They manufacture and install...

Install Clopay Garage Doors in Your New Home

By: Jim Kesel | 04/11/2008 | Home Improvement
Garage doors are a critical part of every home. The garage door opening is certainly the weakest point of your home. It is wise to take careful consideration when selecting a garage door to secure this part of your home. Clopay garage doors have several great products that will help...

Purchase a Quality Garage Doors Opener For Your Home

By: Jim Kesel | 24/10/2008 | Home Improvement
Today having a large insulated garage is an important part of any new home construction. In addition many people are replacing their existing garage doors with more energy efficient doors to save money. Most homes now have the convenience of a garage doors opener that operates from both the vehicle...

Consider Safe Premium Garage Doors For Your Home

By: Jim Kesel | 16/10/2008 | Home Improvement
There are many garage manufactures that make good garage doors. However there are only a few that make quality garage door systems. A garage door must not only look good from the street but it must also function flawlessly. Today it is important that you find a garage door manufacture...

Purchasing the Right Garage Doors For Your Home or Business

By: Jim Kesel | 14/10/2008 | Home Improvement
Haas Garage Doors have been manufactured by the same company since 1954. Famous for their commercial grade doors has also has a very good line of residential doors that will meet just about any contractor or architects design needs. Haas Door is a Nofziger company and is located in Wausean...

Selecting a Quality Garage Door Opener

By: Jim Kesel | 13/10/2008 | Home Improvement
Once you have selected the garage door of your choice for your home or business you will want to find a reliable automatic garage door opener. There are many quality garage doors manufactures that provide quality door openers. The Lift Master garage doors opener is a favorite of many construction...

CHI Garage Doors Are Known For Their Quality

By: Jim Kesel | 13/10/2008 | Home Improvement
If you are searching for a quality garage door for your home you might want to consider CHI garage doors. CHI is known for its quality and durability. In terms of garage door pricing the company's products are considered to be in the mid to upper price range. When it...

Genie Garage Doors Opener

By: Jim Kesel | 13/10/2008 | Home Improvement
If you own a home with a garage door more than likely you will also have some kind of automatic garage door opener. If your contractor installed the door opener when your home was built in most cases it was the cheapest model available. Using garage doors pricing to select...

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.05, 1, w1)