Some people think that acid reflux or heartburn is a problem that only affects adults. However, according to the Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation, 10 percent of teens and pre-teens in the United States suffer from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Several over-the-counter and prescription medications can treat acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Definition
Acid reflux occurs when food and liquid from the stomach backs up through the esophagus. Located at the bottom of the esophagus are a band of muscles that form a barrier between the stomach and esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter. Some foods and certain medical conditions cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax prematurely or not work as it should. This can happen in both teenagers and adults. When acid reflux is chronic, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Identification
The most common and primary symptom of acid reflux is heartburn, according to Health Central. Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest, throat and abdomen. Eating too much--which causes the stomach to distend--bending over, and lying on the back after eating causes heartburn. Other symptoms are a sour taste in the mouth, dry cough, bad breath, trouble swallowing, a sore or raw throat and belching that brings up food and bitter liquid.
Causes
Lying down too soon after eating, eating spicy foods, drinking caffeinated drinks, eating citrus fruit, tomato-based foods or chocolate, smoking, wearing tight clothing and being overweight or pregnant can trigger acid reflux. Problems with the lower esophageal sphincter or the presence of a hiatal hernia also can cause the condition.
Treatments
For mild cases of acid reflux, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, losing weight, eating small meals, wearing loose-fitting clothes and avoiding soda and foods that trigger the reflux can be enough to stop the problem. To discourage bouts of acid reflux, Teens Health suggests that teenagers not eat for three or more hours before bedtime, and not lie down for three or more hours after eating. Taking over-the-counter antacids can help neutralize stomach acid. In chronic cases, people can combine the antacid with a prescription medication, called an H2 blocker, that works to stop acid production.
Complications
Repeated episodes of acid reflux can become GERD over time. A possible long-term complication of GERD is a precancerous condition called Barret's esophagus. Left untreated, the condition can result in esophageal cancer.
