My son who is 14 has experienced spells for the past several years where he wakes up and vomits. This occurs in the morning. He says he feels hot water or he just burps and throws up. He has seen the dr. and is taking medication daily. The medication is the prescription form of Prilosec. However, he still tends to have these episodes if he overeats or eats a particularly greasy food (i.e. hamburger w/bacon and fries). He doesn't do it everytime it seems it is more if he has had several servings of unhealthy food or if he overeats. The Dr. seemed to think it was GERD, but I'm fearing that it might be something else. Does this seem like GERD or another problem like a gallbladder issue or an ulcer?
8/18/09 5:52am
Hello!
My teens have GERD too. Their symptoms are similar to adults-heartburn and the sensation of food coming up the esophagus. Often after a big meal they will get a very acidic taste in their mouth or a burp/fullness.
It isn't common for a teen or adult to vomit due to reflux but it is a symptom. Certainly early in the morning after being reclined at night can cause an increase in symptoms. My girls sleep on multiple pillows to keep their heads elevated all night. It is also possible to purchase a commercially made wedge. One product that I am familiar with is available from www.acidrefluxpillow.com. I am not endorsing this product but it will give you a sense of what is available.
If you are not sure the symptoms are all related to GERD and your son has been on medication for a long period of time, it makes sense to review the symptoms and the plan with the doctor who prescribed the medication. Often this is the pediatrician or primary care doctor. The doctor may refer you to a pediatric gastroenterologist at this point.
Meanwhile, keep a calendar or journal so you can track the symptoms. I find that it really helps at doctor appointments to be very specific. I can look at my notes and say, Last week, she has ___ (symptom) ___ days out of 7.
Be sure to search on this website for more information about Teens with Reflux. I just posted a Sharepost on what to eat based on the popular book, Eat This, Not That. Please add to the Eat This, Not That list or ask your son to add his best and worst foods.
Jan Gambino
The Reflux Mom
www.refluxmom.com
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By CD— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 08/17/09
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