o Eat slowly and chew well.
Medication
Over the counter or prescription medication may be needed to reduce or eliminate acid or improve motility. (Note: Only give your child or teen medication recommended by the doctor. While it is tempting to try to treat the reflux yourself with the selection of over the counter medications in the local drug store, your doctor should be consulted for the proper medication and dose for age and weight.)
Treatment Challenges
Following the doctors treatment plan may be challenging for children and parents. Older children and teens may resist rules on healthy eating and limited diets. Some children do not like to take medication or stop taking medication when they feel better. It is hard for children and teens to understand that medication and a special diet can stop the symptoms as well as prevent the symptoms from coming back.
Long Term Outlook
Children and teens with GERD respond readily to treatment and can participate in school, sports and social activities. While GERD may not go away, it can be managed. Children and teens with GER need to watch their diets, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and take medication as directed to reduce symptoms. If the symptoms worsen or become more frequent, it is time to see the doctor, who can adjust treatment as the children grow to prevent complications.
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