Acid reflux is a condition in which acid produced within the stomach abnormally flows up into the esophagus or throat. Though many newborn infants exhibit symptoms of this condition--which is also called gastroesophageal reflux--acid reflux is less common in toddlers. A parent or caregiver who notices the development of acid reflux symptoms in a toddler should have the child evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Sore Throat or Cough
Stomach acid can irritate the lining of the throat, causing sore throat or cough symptoms in toddlers with this condition, according to health experts at the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. A toddler with acid reflux may complain that her throat hurts or that she can't swallow. Frequent episodes of coughing can also be accompanied by chest pain, burning or discomfort--an acid reflux symptom referred to as heartburn. These symptoms can also be signs of alternate medical problems, such as strep throat, and affected toddlers should receive further evaluation and care from a pediatrician as soon as possible.
Breathing Difficulties
Inflammation of the throat caused by stomach acid can narrow a toddler's airway passages. As a result, toddlers with acid reflux can experience breathing difficulties as a symptom of this condition, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. These breathing difficulties can mimic asthma symptoms and can include wheezing or shortness of breath.
Nausea or Vomiting
The abnormal back-flow of acid from the stomach can irritate and inflame the digestive tract. When this occurs, a toddler may experience sensations of nausea or can begin vomiting. A toddler with this condition may frequently complain that her stomach hurts--especially after eating or while lying down. When a toddler vomits, she may only expel small amounts of fluid or stomach acid. These uncomfortable symptoms can contribute a decreased appetite in affected toddlers.
Weight Loss
Recurrent bouts of acid reflux may negatively affect a toddler's interest in food. A toddler with this condition may begin to notice that he feels worse after eating and may tell a parent or caregiver that he isn't hungry or that he doesn't want to eat. As a result, toddlers with acid reflex can experience unintended weight loss or inadequate weight gain as a symptom of this condition, according to medical professionals at NDDIC and Dr.Greene.com, a pediatric health website. Toddlers who develop either of these weight-related symptoms of acid reflux should receive further evaluation and care from a physician.
Recurrent Infections
Toddlers with acid reflux can be at an increased risk of developing recurrent lung infections, such as pneumonia, explain NDDIC health officials. Pneumonia may cause additional symptoms of fever, cough, fatigue or irritability in toddlers. Affected toddlers require further treatment and care from a medical professional.
References
- American College of Gastroenterology: Common Gastrointestinal Problems in Pediatric Patients
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children and Adolescents
- DrGreene.com: Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Nexium: Acid Reflux Disease In Children
- AskDrSears.com: GER--What It Is; What To Do; FAQs
