Acid Reflux In Children
Is Acid Reflux In Children Common?
Acid reflux in children is common and treatable. The age is not what matters the most, but the most important thing is to recognize the symptoms and treat them quickly. Acid reflux in children can be very challenging to deal with.
It is common for babies to experience acid reflux during their first 3 months. They will show signs in their frequent crying, and they will have a tight tummy along with their legs extended out or drawn in. They will spit up more often than is expected.
Acid reflux in children can continue as they grow, but they may not be able to communicate to you what is going on. Some of the symptoms to watch for are:
1. crying suddenly, no apparent reason
2. fussy at dinner time, refusing to eat
3. frequent coughing or hiccups
4. foul breath
5. respiratory problems such as bronchitis, pneumonia
6. weight loss
7. trouble sleeping
8. spitting up or vomiting
Studies have shown an increased risk of acid reflux in children who have asthma, sinusitis or other respiratory illnesses.
When or if you child presents any of the symptoms above, contact a doctor right away. You will then be instructed how to treat it and relieve their symptoms.
They will first run some tests that may include the blood and stool to rule out any other conditions. The first thing your doctor will do is change the diet of your child. Acid reflux in children is greatly affected by their diet. It is always best to try to treat this with their diet than with medications.
When feeding a child with acid reflux, you will need to make their meals smaller and more frequent, as well as burping them more often. It may also help to elevate the head end of their bed to help them sleep better at night. Nighttime is difficult for adults with acid reflux and can be even more so with children.
Acid reflux in children is something that can become very serious, which makes it vitally important to watch for these signs and contacting the doctor immediately. By treating it early, these symptoms can be alleviated along with the damaging effects.
