A look at acid reflux in children

Acid reflux in children is a phenomenon that worries parents, children and doctors. Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this condition has been known as heartburn among adults for decades. Its appearance in children has not received much attention until recently.

What is acid reflux?

GERD is diagnosed when a patient suffers from unwanted regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus. Sometimes people even experience it to such an extent that the acid reaches their mouth level. However, a patient may never be aware of any regurgitation. Instead, the only sensation that is noticeable is a pain or burning in the chest. That is why it has generally been referred to as heartburn.

There are several causes for this ailment. Obesity may be the fastest growing cause in the sense that it is the fundamental problem behind many other real causes. However, GERD is more directly caused by problems such as hiatal hernias, hypercalcemia, and systemic sclerosis. These and other problems, however, can often be directly or indirectly linked to obesity.

Why does this disease affect children?

This condition should not be confused with the usual regurgitation seen in babies. Although it is possible that such young children experience regurgitation for pathological reasons, it is more likely just a developmental problem seen in almost all human infants. When GERD is seen in older children and adolescents, the main culprit is often obesity or something to do with the child’s eating habits.

Overeating is one possible reason. However, the nature and quality of the food eaten by adults and children has changed greatly in recent decades. Many children also experience constipation, something that has not been seen before in this age group. Parents of children with GERD should closely watch the type of food their children eat and how much they eat. Sometimes this food can be cured with simple dietary changes and does not require the assistance of medical professionals.

effects

The general effects of GERD in children are similar to those found in adults. The esophagus was not meant to contain the powerful acids that are normally trapped by a sphincter muscle in the stomach. When gastric juices enter this organ, they can undermine its integrity and degrade the tissues that cover it. This can eventually cause frequent vomiting and even breathing problems. Since the esophagus plays a critical role in digestion, uncontrolled GERD could even be deadly in the long run.

Treatment

There are a variety of treatments. If dietary changes don’t sufficiently treat the problem, there are over-the-counter medications that help neutralize the acids as they rise up into the esophagus. Doctors can prescribe stronger remedies. Finally, surgery may be needed to repair the damage caused by advanced GERD.

Knowledge about this disease is the best tool to treat it. With the correct information, most people can control this disease or even cure it completely.