Acid Reflux from Infancy to Adulthood Part II: Children and Teens

This is part 2 of a 3-part series on Acid Reflux.

See Part III: Acid Reflux in Adults

Going to School

My daughter's gastroenterologist used to write a note on the prescription pad for school each year. It said simply, "Rebecca needs to have access to snacks, drinks and the bathroom as needed during school to manage her GERD."

I met with her new teacher and the school nurse each fall to develop a plan for managing acid reflux at school for the year. Rebecca was able to attend school, manage her acid reflux and concentrate on learning rather than a painful stomachache.

Kids and teens may face special challenges managing GERD at school. There are long lines in the cafeteria and little time to eat. Eating with 300 teenagers is hardly the atmosphere to chew slowly and carefully. Limited access to the bathroom and the nurse for medication may get in the way of the treatment plan as well. Parents may need to meet with the school administration and the nurse to develop a plan to manage GERD at school. In addition, your child's doctor or gastroenterologist may need to write a note outlining the treatment plan.

GER vs.GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) is a normal event characterized by the sensation of food coming up the esophagus in the form of a wet burp. Many children and teens have GER after eating a large meal, drinking a carbonated beverage or eating too fast.

GER symptoms may include:

o Burping

o Belching

o Sensation of food coming up the throat

o Bad taste in the mouth

On the other hand, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the abnormal backwashing of stomach contents and acid into the esophagus causing complications. GERD may cause esophagitis (irritation to the delicate lining of the esophagus), ulcers and respiratory issues.

GERD symptoms may include the symptoms of GER plus:

o Heartburn/chest pain

o Sore throat/pain with swallowing

o Picky eating

o Weight loss

o Asthma/respiratory problems

o Poor sleep

o Dental enamel erosion

For some children, GERD symptoms began in infancy and continued into childhood. Other children seem to have healthy digestion in infancy and develop GERD during childhood or adolescence. Parents and doctors may not initially suspect GERD in an otherwise healthy child.

Treatments

Lifestyle:

o Wear loose, comfortable clothing

o Avoid tobacco smoke

o Avoid physical activity after a meal

o Sleep on an elevated surface (extra pillows, wedge, bed blocks)

o Reduce stress

Diet

Children and teens may need to limit or avoid:

o Caffeine-cola, coffee, tea, iced tea

o Energy drinks such as Red Bull and Rock Star

o Citrus (oranges, orange juice)

o Tomatoes and tomato sauce

o Carbonated drinks-soda, seltzer

o Spicy food

o Chocolate

o High fat foods and fried foods

Children and teens may need to:

o Eat small, frequent meals.

o Avoid eating before bedtime.