Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children
(Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease [GERD])
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
"Gastro-" means stomach, the esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach, and reflux means flowing backward.
Gastroesophageal reflux, also called acid reflux, is when:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when acid reflux causes problems with feeding or breathing, or damages the esophagus. GERD is also common in adults.
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Stomach acid can irritate and sometimes damage the esophagus
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Sometimes stomach acid gets in your child's throat and down the windpipe
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Nearly all babies have reflux and spit up sometimes
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Babies with GERD may throw up, have problems eating or breathing, or be cranky
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Children may have chest or abdominal pain, or heartburn
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Doctors make changes to your child's diet and how you feed them, and prescribe acid-blocking medicine
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Most babies outgrow reflux by about 18 months
What causes reflux in children?
What are the symptoms of reflux in children?
Symptoms of reflux usually start shortly after birth and are worst around 6 or 7 months of age. Then symptoms slowly go away and are usually gone by about 18 months.
In babies, the most common symptoms are:
If babies throw up a lot, they may not gain weight like they should. If acid gets in their throat and windpipe, babies may cough and wheeze.
In children, the most common symptoms are:
In adolescents, the most common symptom is:
How can doctors tell if my child has reflux?
How do doctors treat GERD in children?
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
nicotine |
COMMIT, NICORETTE, NICOTROL |
