Treat Acid Reflux

Coping With Acid Reflux in Children
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Defined Tag: Acid Reflux In Children.

Introduction

If your child or teenager is having difficulty swallowing, eating, or is failing to grow, it is best to bring him or her to the doctor. If the doctor suspects acid reflux, then he may suggest a trial of medication to reduce the amount of acid in the child or teenager’s stomach. You need not worry excessively as acid reflux in children is pretty common and is very treatable.

Treatments

Treatment by using H2 blockers is one of the over-the-counter treatments for acid reflux in children. Proton pump inhibitors such as Prevacid can also be used in the treatment of acid reflux. If your child continues to have these symptoms despite the treatment he/she is receiving, your doctor may suggest other treatment methods. It is very rare, however, but surgery may be considered in cases of severe acid reflux in children.

Some suggestions to help reduce the effects of acid reflux in children is to have the child to eat smaller meals, avoid eating 2 to 3 hours before bed, elevate the head at least 30 degrees, avoid carbonated drinks (the Cokes and the Pepsis can go down the drain), chocolates, caffeine, and foods that are rich in fat-content. Carbonated drinks can increase the acid in the stomach, as can citrus fruits. Spicy foods can also have the same effect. Ideally, a change in diet can help reduce acid reflux in children significantly.

Although acid reflux in children can begin when they are very young, many outgrow it. Still , there are also those cases where children need continuous treatment in order to conquer the irritation and prevent more severe problems in the future. Acid reflux in children can cause vomiting, coughing, hoarseness, or painful swallowing.


An upper GI series x-ray, which consists of Barium being swallowed, will show the shape of the esophagus and stomach. This test can show a variety of esophagal and stomach problems. There are also more invasive methods in which an Endoscopy or Esophageal pH probe may be used. Both of these methods involve a probe of some type being inserted into the esophagus. Both methods have been said to be successful at treating acid reflux in children.

When to See a Doctor?

So when should you consult your pediatrician about acid reflux in children? The warning signals include:

- increased amounts of vomiting or projectile vomiting,

- vomiting of fluid that is green or yellow or looks like coffee grounds or blood,

- difficulty breathing after vomiting,
,br>- pain related to eating,

- or difficulty or pain swallowing.

If you should observe these acid reflux symptoms, take your child to the doctor before they worsen. There are different medications available for the prevention or relief of these symptoms. A delay can result in your child needing an invasive procedure like surgery. Best is to take early action, accompanied with a change in diet. Relief is very possible for acid reflux in children.

Acid Reflux can be very painful but it is definitely treatable. For more information and resources on acid reflux treatment, please visit this site at http://www.treat-acid-reflux.com.