Can A Youngster Get Reflux From Food?

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are common symptoms in children, causing heartburn and regurgitation. GERD is often caused by something that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that produces acid naturally. Most babies outgrow reflux by age 1, with less than 5 continuing to have symptoms as toddlers. However, GERD can also occur in older children.

Reflux can happen in adults and kids, even babies. It’s normal and most kids who have gastroesophageal reflux outgrow it over time. Changes in diet can help, but some kids might need medical treatment. Reflux can happen in healthy babies, children, adolescents, and adults, most often after eating a meal. Most episodes are brief and do not cause bothersome symptoms or problems.

GERD is more common in children aged 2 to 19 and can be caused by physiological causes, such as the lower esophageal sphincter opening when eating something. In older children, other factors, such as certain trigger foods, medications, and obesity, can contribute to reflux. Heartburn is more common in older children and teens than in young children.

GERD is a chronic digestive disorder that can cause heartburn. Reflux can happen at any age, but it’s common in babies and usually a temporary problem. If it becomes a long-term problem, it’s called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is more common in children who are 2-3 years of age or older. If your child has continual symptoms, seek medical advice.

How do you fix reflux in children?

Doctors typically prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for treating GERD in children for 4-8 weeks, with some cases for long-term treatment. PPIs are generally safe and effective, but side effects may include diarrhea, headache, or upset stomach. Doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes or medicines to treat GER or GERD in children, and in some cases, surgery. Research suggests certain lifestyle changes can improve GERD symptoms in adults, but studies in children are limited. The lifestyle changes recommended may depend on the child’s age and symptoms.

What can I give my 7 year old for acid reflux?

Doctors may prescribe over-the-counter antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and prokinetics for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a serious and long-lasting type of reflux, causing stomach contents to return to the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach, relaxes when swallowing, allowing food to pass from the esophagus to the stomach. This muscle typically stays closed, preventing stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. If GERD occurs more than twice a week for a few weeks, it could be GERD.

Can a child outgrow acid reflux?

Most infants outgrow GERD by one year, with less than 5 children continuing symptoms as toddlers. Adults with GERD can manage it through over-the-counter medications like antacids, prescription medications like proton pump inhibitors, surgery like the LINX procedure, and lifestyle modifications like avoiding trigger foods and maintaining a healthy weight. However, GERD will not go away on its own.

Why would a child get acid reflux?

G gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children is primarily caused by immaturity of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), resulting in muscle weakness. However, certain foods, medications, developmental disorders, and underlying diseases can also cause GERD in children. Some foods affect the muscle tone of the LES, allowing it to stay open longer than normal. Other foods increase stomach acid production, causing heartburn during reflux.

Is it normal for an 8 year old to have heartburn?

Heartburn is a common issue in adults, especially after a hearty meal, but it can also affect infants and children. Around 2 of children aged 3 to 9 and 5 of children aged 10 to 17 experience heartburn, which can start in infancy. This is usually due to gastroesophageal reflux (GER), or acid reflux, where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle at the bottom of the esophagus keeps acids in the stomach. If the LES relaxes too much, the acid can irritate the esophagus lining, leading to heartburn and other symptoms.

How do I know if my 3 year old has reflux?

Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a condition characterized by frequent spitting up or regurgitation after feeding, often accompanied by abdominal pain or crankiness. Over time, babies with reflux may not gain weight as expected and may have frequent chest infections due to aspirating stomach contents into the windpipe and lungs. The inside surface of the oesophagus may become inflamed due to contact with stomach acid, leading to scarring and narrowing.

Diagnosis usually involves a detailed clinical history, including symptoms and feeding patterns. Doctors may weigh the child to determine if they are gaining weight as expected. Additional diagnostic tests may be necessary, such as a pH impedance study, upper GI contrast study, gastroscopy, and oesophageal manometry.

The pH impedance study involves inserting a thin tube into the child’s nose and throat, allowing for an X-ray to check the correct placement. The tube is connected to a recording box for 24 hours to record the child’s reflux. Upper GI contrast studies use a thick, white liquid called barium, which shows up well on x-rays. Gastroscopy allows doctors to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum for abnormalities using an endoscope. Oesophageal manometry measures the muscles and nerves in the oesophagus using a catheter inserted into the child’s digestive system through their nose.

Can stress cause acid reflux in kids?

Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can increase the risk of acid reflux, especially in young people with GERD. A 2021 study found that anxiety and depression are more common in GERD-positive individuals. Although psychosocial disorders can contribute to GERD development, having GERD increases the likelihood of developing a mental health disorder, worsening acid reflux symptoms.

What foods cause reflux in kids?

The consumption of specific foods, including caffeine, chocolate, and peppermint, has been observed to relax the valve-like muscle situated at the lower end of the esophagus. This relaxation may permit the reflux of acid into the esophagus, potentially resulting in the manifestation of associated symptoms.

How long does reflux last in kids?

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common issue in babies, causing spit up when food comes back up into the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus is not as effective in infants, causing some formula or food to come back up. Most babies outgrow the problem by 12 months of age, although some may last longer. Symptoms associated with reflux include heartburn, esophagitis, inflammation of the esophagus, and fussiness.

However, not all irritability or fussiness in babies with reflux is caused by reflux, and treatment may not improve it. Additionally, infants with gastroesophageal reflux may not gain weight well due to various factors.

What foods cause acid reflux in children?

The consumption of specific foods, including caffeine, chocolate, and peppermint, has been observed to relax the valve-like muscle situated at the lower end of the esophagus. This relaxation may permit the reflux of acid into the esophagus, potentially resulting in the manifestation of associated symptoms.

How to treat acid reflux in a 3 year old?

Doctors treat GER and GERD in children by recommending lifestyle changes, such as sleeping with the head elevated, avoiding eating before bed, changing eating habits, and quitting smoking. Lifestyle changes may also include medication or surgery. Research suggests that certain lifestyle changes can improve GERD symptoms in adults, but studies in children are limited. The recommended lifestyle changes may depend on the child’s age and symptoms, and may include adjusting their diet or avoiding secondhand smoke.