Acid reflux in children.What can you do about it?

Acid reflux in children is quite common. Reflux in children may manifest in frequent spitting, throwing up repeatedly, coughing and other respiratory problems. 

Andf one of the best ways that a parent can help prevent acid reflux in children or indigestion is to prevent it entirely.

As you are already aware, indigestion is a form of upset stomach. It usually happens when people eat too much, too fast or foods that aren't agreeing with their body. Heartburn  happens in connection with indigestion. This does not mean there is anything wrong with someone's heart. Heartburn is a burning sensation that moves from a person's chest up into the neck and throat. This is caused by the stomach acid, which normally doesn't cause a problem until it moves out of your stomach.

When someone has heartburn the stomach, acid splashes up out of the stomach and irritates the esophagus or the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This is also referred to as acid indigestion and it usually leaves a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Children

Acid reflux symptoms in children may occur if your child is experiencing:

• Abdominal pain above the belly button.
  
• Chest pain Burning sensation in the esophagus
  
• Extreme pickiness about foods or refusing food
  
• Eating only a few bites despite hunger
  
• Gagging or choking
  
• Poor weight gain or weight loss
  
• Bad breath
  
• Constantly runny nose
  
• Frequent sore throat
  
• Sinus infections
  
• Respiratory problems (such as bronchitis, wheezing, asthma)
  
• Nighttime cough
  
• Nagging dry cough
  
• Hoarseness
  
• Poor sleep, frequent waking
  
• Frequent ear infections and/or ear congestion
  
• Excessive salivation or drooling
  
• Intolerant of pressure on the stomach

For diagnosing Acid Reflux in Children ,Your child's doctor may base a diagnosis of acid reflux on your child's symptoms and a physical examination.

Children diet and acid reflux

It is a good idea to avoid problem foods so as to avoid acid reflux in infants , and have your child eat smaller meals. Avoid giving them fatty, greasy foods as much as possible. Avoid giving chocolate or citrus fruits in excess. Make sure they eat slowly. Find ways to allow your children to relax and decrease their stress levels. Make sure they have time to digest their food, don't give a large meal and then rush off to sports practice.

However, if you child already has indigestion then a second way to help is provide them antacids. While these provide a rapid way to sooth indigestion, they are only effective for short periods and don't have the ability to treat any damage to the esophagus. There is a liquid suspension form available to soothe acid reflux in children. The acid floats on the liquid in the stomach after a meal and the alginate molecules in the medicine bond to increase the surface tension, which diminishes the reflux that occurs after a meal.

Another option that helps deal with acid reflux in children is to give them over-the-counter H2 receptor antagonist's medicines, which suppress or reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces.

These are,in fact, different from antacids because they can prevent heartburn rather than relieve them.

Proton pump inhibitors are a fourth option for acid reflux in children since they not only limit acid secretion in the stomach to help prevent indigestion, but in a large majority of the adult population, they also helped heal the esophagus.

There are also promotility agents that take effect in the esophagus and/or the stomach to help improve the motility of the food. However, there are significant side effects with these medications so you should discuss the use of them with your physician before giving them to your children.

These are five ways that you can help a acid reflux in children or indigestion. However, you should remember that in an infant this condition is only temporary. In older children or those who continuously face indigestion then it may be a good idea to take them to see your physician rather than giving over-the-counter products. Your doctor can determine if there is another underlying condition and be able to give you the most accurate treatment plan for your child's indigestion.