Children's Health - Gastroesophageal Reflux

Image Credit: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315590#causes

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or chronic acid reflux) is a condition in which acid-containing contents in your stomach persistently leak back up into your esophagus.


Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) happens because a valve at the end of your esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter, doesn't close properly when food arrives atyour stomach. Acid backwash then flows back up through your esophagus into your throat and mouth, giving you a sour taste.


GER is common in babies under the age of 2. Most babies spit up a few times a day during their first 3 months. According to John Hopkins Medicine, it does not cause any problems in babies with most outgrowing reflux by 12-14 months.

What are the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in children and babies?

Heartburn is the biggest symptom of GER. However, children under the age of 12 typically present with different symptoms. These symptoms can include:

• Burping or belching

• Not eating

• Having stomach pain

• Being fussy around mealtimes

• Vomiting often

• Having hiccups

• Gagging

• Choking

Coughing often

• Having coughing fits at night

Other symptoms may include:

• Wheezing

• Getting colds often

• Getting ear infections often

• Having a rattling in the chest

• Having a sore throat in the morning

• Having a sour taste in the mouth

• Having bad breath

• Loss or decay of tooth enamel

What causes gastroesophageal reflux?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is often caused by something that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is located at the bottom of the

esophagus. It opens to allow food in, but if it is open for too long, then acid and/or stomach contents can come back up causing vomiting or heartburn. Everyone can

experience heartburn from time to time. Babies are more likely to have a weak LES. This makes it relax (open) when it should stay shut.

When does Gastroesophageal Reflux become Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Your baby, child, or teen may have GERD if:

• Your baby’s symptoms prevents them from feeding. Symptoms may include vomiting, gagging, coughing, and trouble breathing.

• Your baby has reflux for more than 12-14 months

• Your child or teen has reflux more than twice a week for a few months

What treatment options are available at Compounding Solutions Pharmacy & Wellness?

Babies and children require different dosing than adults. Compounding allows flexibility in dosing and how you administer the medication. Custom doses are available. We can also make Lansoprazole (Prevacid) and Omeprazole (Prilosec) into suspensions that make giving your baby or child medicine much easier.

What lifestyle and diet changes will help gastroesophageal reflux?

For babies:

• After feedings, hold your baby in an upright position for 30 minutes.

• If bottle-feeding, keep the nipple filled with milk. This way your baby won't swallow too much air while eating. Try different nipples. Find one that lets your baby's mouth make a good seal with the nipple during feeding.

• Adding rice cereal to feeding may be helpful for some babies.

• Burp your baby a few times during bottle-feeding or breastfeeding. Your child may reflux more often when burping with a full stomach.

For children:

• Watch your child's food intake. Limit fried and fatty foods, peppermint, chocolate, drinks with caffeine such as sodas and tea, citrus fruit and juices, and tomato products.

• Offer your child smaller portions at mealtimes. Add small snacks between meals if your child is hungry. Don't let your child overeat. Let your child tell you when he or she is hungry or full.

• If your child is overweight, contact your child's provider to set weight-loss goals.

• Serve the evening meal early, at least 3 hours before bedtime.

Sources:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gerd-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-in-children