GERD in Infants and Children
Points to Remember Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Anyone experiencing heartburn twice a week or more may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
You can have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) without having heartburn. Your symptoms could be excessive clearing of the throat, problems swallowing, the feeling that food is stuck in your throat, burning in the mouth, or pain in the chest.
In infants and children, gastroesophageal reflux disease may cause repeated vomiting, coughing, and other respiratory problems. Most babies grow out of gastroesophageal reflux disease by their first birthday.
If you have been using antacids for more than 2 weeks, it is time to see a doctor. Most doctors can treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. Or you may want to visit an internist - a doctor who specializes in internal medicine - or a gastroenterologist - a doctor who treats diseases of the stomach and intestines.
For most people who believe they are suffering from acid reflux, their treatment will begin with simple lifestyle changes in an attempt to cure the problem. Losing weight, stopping smoking, and avoiding acidic foods will be where they start. Elevating the head of the bed, as well as using standard antacids before meals will also be used before starting a more formal treatment. Once prescription only medications, Prilosec and Prevacid, are available now over-the-counter which will help most people with their symptoms if they continue after attempting the above mentioned practices. Doctors still have more powerful prescription only medications as well as having surgery as an option to treat those that still need help.
There are many options for acid reflux help available to those that need it. You can often attempt to cure your symptoms yourself with the above mentioned practices. If in doubt though always seek the advise of your family doctor who may recommend you see a specialist if they feel it is necessary.
Doctors usually recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to relieve heartburn. Many people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also need medication. Surgery may be an option.
GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX OVERVIEW
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the medical term for spitting up. It occurs when the stomach contents reflux or back up into the esophagus and/or mouth. Because the stomach naturally produces some acid, reflux is sometimes called acid reflux; other terms include regurgitation and spilling.
Reflux is a normal process that occurs in healthy infants, children, and adults. Most infants have brief episodes, during which they spit up milk or formula through the mouth or nose. Uncomplicated reflux does not usually bother the infant, has a low risk of long-term complications, and does not usually require treatment.
In contrast, a few infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are irritable, gain weight slowly, develop recurrent pneumonia, or spit up blood. Infants with these signs and symptoms usually require further testing and may require treatment. Although most infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease improve as they grow, some children have symptoms later in childhood.
This topic review discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of infants with gastroesophageal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroesophageal reflux disease in older children and adolescents is discussed separately.