An 11-year-old boy in Boston developed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). According to his mother, Cathy, it was the end of June in the year 2005 when her son developed a cough, which usually happens during sleep or even during the daytime. It is only a short-lived dry cough symptom. His pediatrician thought it was only an allergy. However, when his son was tested, the result showed that he had no allergy. According to her, it was her son’s asthma that was related to GERD.
Studies show that GERD is likewise normal in infants and children, as it is in adults, though this fact is oftentimes overlooked. The symptoms come in the form of continual sickness, coughing, and other respiratory trouble.
Children are vulnerable to GERD because of their immature digestive systems. The majority of infants grow out of GERD once they reach the age of one year old.
The medical specialists further stated that symptoms for children may come in the form of difficulty in swallowing foods or failure to grow. The doctors recommended that in a situation like this, it is best to reduce the amount of acid in the child’s stomach before it could lead to acid reflux, since this disease is not very curable in children.
However, the doctor suggested some approaches to avoid acid reflux in children; an example of these is burping the infant quite a few times during feeding or letting the infant stay in an erect position for 30 minutes after nourishing.
Although, for a child ages three and up, doctors suggest keeping them away from sodas that include caffeine, like soft drinks, carbonated drinks, spicy foods like peppermint, acidic foods like citrus fruits, too much chocolate, and fried and fatty foods. Ideally, establishing a healthy eating habit can really decrease acid reflux in children.
It is also suggested that children will eat smaller meals before sleeping. If possible, do not allow them to eat two to three hours before sleeping. Also, elevate the head of their bed at least 30 degrees.
Further treatments include the use of H2 blockers; this is available in any drugs store. Proton pump inhibitors, such as Prevacid, can also be used to treat acid reflux in children.
However, if these treatments fail to stop the symptoms, other treatment methods need to be tried. It is very atypical, but doctors’ recommend surgery. This is so far the best treatment for relentless symptoms that do not anymore counter to other treatments.
The esophageal reflux surgery for children is designated for children who have had unsuccessful medical treatments, and continuous surgery is essential as the child grows.
If you get confused, when is the time to consult a pediatrician regarding acid reflux? The answer is you observe. Observe the amounts of vomiting of the child. If it already comes out in green or yellow or appears to be like blood or coffee grounds, there is difficulty in breathing after vomiting, and there is pain in swallowing, immediately consult a pediatrician before the symptoms get aggravated.
So, to prevent the occurrence of this disease, stay away from the habit of leaning forward after eating, or worse, sleeping after taking a large amount of food.
Take note that advanced acid reflux disease has a high risk of causing serious medical complications and may necessitate hospitalization.
Be aware of potential symptoms so that you do not overlook them. Take care of your kids.
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