| There are studies that show Gastroesophageal | | | | hoarseness, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, loud |
| Reflux (GER), usually referred to as acid reflux is | | | | breathing, sinus infections, lots of saliva, drooling |
| not a unique thing in children of any age. Acid | | | | and neck arching. |
| reflux in children and babies are quite common. In | | | | Complications of Acid Reflux in Children |
| fact, over seven million American children have | | | | Young babies will spit up (regurgitate) a little of |
| acid reflux. The underdeveloped digestive | | | | the milk you give them; this is common. However, |
| systems in children make them more susceptible | | | | heartburn and esophagitis will make this |
| to the disorder. When children reach the age of | | | | regurgitation a problem that needs attention. |
| two, the reflux should be better and may be | | | | Heartburn is the burning sensation you feel when |
| gone. If you realize that the condition in your child | | | | acid comes from the stomach to the esophagus. |
| is not gone and is instead getting worse, you | | | | Esophagitis is the swelling and reddening of the |
| need to call your child's doctor. | | | | esophagus because of the acid reflux. It not only |
| Describing Acid Reflux in Children | | | | hurts; it also makes eating difficult. Bleeding from |
| Acid reflux occurs when the stomach contents | | | | the esophagus can happen if the condition |
| and the acid that it makes go back up into the | | | | becomes severe. This will cause poor growing |
| esophagus. The acid causes irritation and pain to | | | | habits, not swallowing right, problems breathing |
| the esophagus. It may also force the food to | | | | and tooth decay in babies. |
| come out of the mouth of the child. A child may | | | | Treating Acid Reflux in Children |
| vomit with force or experience a wet burp that | | | | There are different treatments available for acid |
| does not come all the way out of the mouth. | | | | reflux in children. Children usually outgrow the acid |
| Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Children | | | | reflux by one year of age. You will need to learn |
| There are many different symptoms that can | | | | how to position and feed your baby in order to |
| present themselves with acid reflux in children. | | | | give him or her relief from the pain. Getting your |
| The common symptoms of acid reflux in children | | | | child in an upright position will let him or her digest |
| are pain, irritability, vomiting or spitting up, sudden | | | | food better. Gravity will help to keep things where |
| crying, colic symptoms, not able to eat, not | | | | they are supposed to be. Burping your child more |
| sleeping right, wet burps and bad breath. | | | | and not feeding your child with foods high in fats |
| Less known symptoms of acid reflux in children | | | | will also help. In some cases, acid reflux medication |
| are problems with swallowing, gagging, choking, | | | | may be needed. In severe cases, a child may |
| sore throat, not gaining weight, losing weight, | | | | need stronger acid reflux medications or surgery. |