Dear dbmom,

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), like any chronic health condition can affect learning and academic performance. Some teens have difficulty managing their busy schedules and GERD all at the same time. Some teens are not able to have access to their medication or the bathroom during the day, adding to the digestive discomfort. I know from personal experience that the schools may have early or late lunch periods so mealtime may be affected too.

If the typical treatments are difficult to follow, there may be more digestive pain and symptoms. If you are focused on your stomach, it may be impossible to focus on French or Calculus. Sometimes chronic illness can stress your whole body, making you feel tired and even a bit depressed.

Make sure your teen's primary care doctor and pediatric gastroenterologist are aware of your concerns and develop a treatment plan to address your teen's concerns. Review the medications, diet and nutrients. If your child is on a restricted diet, perhaps some key vitamins are being left out. Also make sure that other reasons for the learning issues have been ruled out.

Good luck!

Jan Gambino

Mom of two teens with GERD