Childhood GERD

Does your child have problems swallowing, a chronic cough or is constantly complaining of stomach and chest pain especially immediately after meals? The apple of your eye just might be suffering from GERD.

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition when the acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus due to a malfunction in the (LES) lower esophageal sphincter (a valve whose function it is to keep the opening between the stomach and esophagus closed). The reflux of acid in its milder form causes heartburn but in the long run chronic heartburn can lead to inflammation of the esophagus lining and even cancer.

Children may find it hard to describe heartburn, the chief symptom of GERD and instead may complain of stomach or chest pain especially immediately after eating. In infants, GERD resolves itself by a year with the maturing of the digestive system.

In older children, GERD is caused by the reasons as seen in adults. The relaxation of the LES, or anything that increases the pressure below the LES such as obesity, overeating and certain foods, beverages and medicines.

The most common symptoms of GERD in children are frequent or recurrent vomiting, frequent or persistent cough, refusing to eat or difficulty swallowing, crying with feeding and heartburn, gas or abdominal pain.

The gastric acids that travel back into the oral cavity can result in dental erosion of both primary as well permanent teeth and this could also be one of the symptoms of GERD.

Diagnosis of Childhood GERD is based on the medical history as narrated b the caregiver but sometimes further tests such as the barium swallow or upper GI series, the ph probe, upper GI endoscopy and gastric emptying study may be conducted.

Treatments include a variety of lifestyle measures such as elevating the head of the child?s bed, ensuring the child does not sleep immediately upon eating, eating several small meals rather than three large meals, limiting foods and beverages that trigger the condition and encouraging the child to get regular exercise.

If GERD is severe and these lifestyle changes do not help then medications to lessen gas such as Mylicon and Gaviscon and medications to neutralize or decrease stomach acid such as antacids, histamine-2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors may be prescribed.

Medicines that decrease intestinal gas are very safe but at high doses antacids can cause side effects such as diarrhea and in some cases an increased risk of rickets. Medicines that prevent the production of stomach acid may cause sleepiness in some children.

When medicines also do not help then in very rare cases children with GERD may be operated on and the procedure followed is the Nissen fundoplication.

Children can suffer untold misery with GERD and an early and accurate diagnosis can help alleviate the agony associated with the condition.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

GERD provides detailed information on GERD, GERD Symptoms, GERD Diets, GERD Treatments and more. GERD is affiliated with Acid Reflux Disease.

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