|
Acid Reflux in Children
For a child or teenager who is having difficulty swallowing, eating,
or is failing to grow, the doctor may suggest a trial of medication
to reduce the amount of acid in the child or teenager¡¦s stomach. The
reason for this is that the doctor suspects acid reflux. Acid reflux
in children is not at all uncommon and is very treatable.
Treatments
Treatment by using H2 blockers is one of the over-the-counter
treatments that can be used to treat acid reflux in children. Proton
pump inhibitors such as Prevacid can also be used in the treatment
of acid reflux. If by some chance the child continues to have these
symptoms despite the treatment he/she is receiving, other treatment
methods may incur. It is very rare, but surgery may be the best
option for children who have severe symptoms that do not respond to
any other type of treatment.
Some suggestions to help reduce the effects of acid reflux in
children is to have the child to eat smaller meals, avoid eating 2
to 3 hours before bed, elevate the head at least 30 degrees, avoid
carbonated drinks (the Cokes and the Pepsis can go down the drain),
chocolates, caffeine, and foods that are rich in fat-content.
Carbonated drinks can increase the acid in the stomach, as can
citrus fruits. Spicy foods can also have the same effect. Ideally, a
change in diet can help reduce acid reflux in children
significantly.
Although acid reflux in children can begin when they¡¦re infants,
most children grow out of it. There are those cases where children
do need treatment in order to conquer the irritation to avoid more
severe problems in the future. Acid reflux in children can cause
vomiting, coughing, hoarseness, or painful swallowing.
An upper GI series x-ray, which consists of Barium being swallowed,
will show the shape of the esophagus and stomach. This test can show
a variety of esophagal and stomach problems. There are also more
invasive methods in which an Endoscopy or Esophageal pH probe may be
used. Both of these methods involve a probe of some type being
inserted into the esophagus and both are successful at learning
about acid reflux in children.
What¡¦s up Doc?
So when should you consult your pediatrician about acid reflux in
children? If there is increased amounts of vomiting or projectile
vomiting, vomiting of fluid that is green or yellow or looks like
coffee grounds or blood, difficulty breathing after vomiting, pain
related to eating, or difficulty or pain swallowing.
If any of these symptoms present themselves, take your child to the
doctor before the symptoms worsen. There are different medications
available for the prevention or relief of these symptoms.
Persistence without treatment can later result in possible surgery,
but treatment is very easy when accompanied with a change in diet.
Relief is definitely in sight for acid reflux in children.
|
