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What is GERD?

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroesophageal means having to do with the stomach and esophagus. Reflux means flowing back. With GERD, acid and other stomach contents repeatedly flow back up into the esophagus. GERD is also called acid reflux disease.

Do children really have GERD?

Yes. Every child has acid reflux at some time. However, some children have it most days. These children may have GERD.

GERD may be overlooked in children. It can lead to serious complications.

Will my child complain of heartburn if he has GERD?

Young children can't always explain that they have a burning feeling in their chest. Even older children might not use words like "heartburn." An older child may say he has a "yucky taste in his mouth," or "burps that burn his throat."

What are other symptoms of GERD?

Children with GERD may:

• wheeze
• have a hoarse voice
• refuse to eat
• have stomach pain
• throw up often

Over time, GERD can damage your child's esophagus. This can lead to changes in the lining of the esophagus which may put your child at higher risk for serious complications. If the damage to the esophagus is severe, the esophagus may bleed.

In severe cases, GERD can cause malnutrition and even failure to thrive.

Symptoms of GERD

Symptoms can vary from child to child, and your child might not have all the symptoms listed below. If you have questions about any symptoms your child is having, talk with your doctor.

Children age 12-24 months

• throwing up often
• losing weight
• irritability and crying
• coughing
• scratchy or hoarse voice
• wheezing
• growing slower than expected
• refusing to eat

  Children age 2-11 years

• throwing up often
• burping up sour or bad-tasting liquid
• burning feeling in chest or throat (heartburn)
• salty-tasting spit
• stomachache
• trouble swallowing
• sore throat
• scratchy or hoarse voice
• wheezing
• coughing
• clearing throat a lot
• losing weight

  GERD

In normal digestion, a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens to let food flow into the stomach and closes to keep food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus.

With acid reflux, the LES is weak or it relaxes at the wrong time, and acid and other stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. If this happens repeatedly, your child may have GERD.

What causes acid reflux?

Acid reflux happens when your child's stomach contents back up into his esophagus.
There are many things that can trigger acid reflux, including:

• eating right before going to bed or taking a nap
• eating certain foods
• being around secondhand smoke
• being overweight

  What's the connection between secondhand smoke and acid reflux?

Exposure to secondhand smoke makes acid reflux worse in two ways. One: Tobacco smoke weakens the LES, allowing acid reflux to take place. Two: Smoke stimulates the stomach to produce more acid.

What's thee connection between weight and acid reflux?

Extra abdominal fat puts pressure on the stomach. If your child is overweight and is age 2 or older, talk to your doctor about how to help him lose weight.

What can I do to help prevent the symptoms of GERD in my child?

There are lifestyle and dietary changes that may reduce acid reflux and help prevent uncomfortable GERD symptoms.

CHILDREN AGE 2-11 YEARS

Avoid giving your child food and drinks that can trigger symptoms.

If your child is overweight, help your child lose weight safely.

Encourage your child to eat smaller, more frequent meals, rather than eating large meals.

Don't dress your child in clothes that have tight waistbands.

Elevate your child's bed so that the head of the bed is higher than the foot.

Try having your child sleep on his/her left side. Some children benefit from this.

Have your child avoid eating two to three hours before bed.

Don't let your child eat a large meal before exercising.

Keep your child away from secondhand smoke.

Foods that can trigger acid reflux

• orange or grapefruit juice
• spicy foods (for example, pizza)
• ketchup
• tomato sauces (for example, spaghetti)
• chocolate
• drinks with caffeine
• onion
• fried or fatty foods
• pickles
• peppermint or spearmint

How is GERD treated?

The first step is to talk with your child's doctor about the symptoms your child is having. The treatment usually depends on your child's symptoms and age.

If you've made lifestyle and dietary changes and your child still has symptoms, your doctor may suggest that your child try a medicine used to treat GERD.

There are a number of medicines used to treat GERD. Some only reduce the symptoms; others actually help heal the esophageal damage caused by the acid. Talk to your doctor about which medicine is best for your child.

Is surgery used to treat GERD?

It is uncommon for children to require surgery for GERD. However, surgery may be needed if your child has severe GERD and medicines have not helped the symptoms

All information provided by Healthy Advice for Your Child © 2004 On Target Media, LLC