Understanding GERD in Children: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Gastro-oesophageal reflux, or simply acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid or food irritates the lower esophagus. Gastro-oesophagael reflux occurs in infants and children quite frequently because of the immaturity of their stomachs.

Effects

• Children who suffer from gastro-oesophageal reflux will have pain or burning in their abdomen, chest or back. They will have excessive belching and a sour taste in their mouth.

Causes

• Causes of gastro-oesophageal reflux in children include having a hernia, being overweight, eating certain foods and eating large meals that have a lot of fat.

Identification

• To determine what is causing a child to have gastro-oeseophageal reflux, a doctor will gather information about what events occur before the child experiences the symptoms. In some cases, a gastroscopy is ordered.

Treatment

• Treatments for gastro-oesophageal reflux in children include medications and dietary changes. In severe cases, surgery is required.

Prevention/Solution

• Avoiding certain foods and not lying down right after eating will prevent gastro-oesophageal reflux in some children.