Most toddlers occasionally spit up, but if it happens more than twice a week, the child may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, according to "The Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health." In addition to frequent spitting up or vomiting, a child with GERD may exhibit abdominal pain, intestinal gas and chest pain that worsens upon lying down or bending over. The toddler may have trouble swallowing. After an initial diagnosis, and in combination with your doctor's treatment program, you may be able to ease your toddler's GERD symptoms with some diet changes.
GERD: The Condition
GERD is the result of a weak lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, located at the point where the esophagus meets the stomach. When food enters the child's stomach, a functioning LES prevents stomach acids from backing up in the esophagus, but if the LES does not work correctly, the contents of the toddler's stomach can enter the throat and mouth and results in spitting up, vomiting and discomfort. Some foods may increase the risk of GERD symptoms, according to Reflux.org.
An Immature Digestion System
According to the "Gale Encyclopedia," the most common cause of GERD in small children is due to an underdeveloped digestive system that will remedy itself as the child grows. In the meantime, parents can reduce the problem of spitting up, also known as "reflux," by eliminating foods that relax or weaken the LES.
Reflux Triggers
Foods prepared with nitrates may trigger GERD symptoms, causing the toddler to spit up frequently, advises the "Gale Encyclopedia." Found in processed lunch meats, hot dogs and bacon, nitrates can irritate the LES, triggering gagging and vomiting. Other potential reflux triggers can relax the LES, allowing food and stomach acid to back up. These foods include fatty foods, whole milk and chicken skin, cream soups, tomatoes, citrus fruit, mint, and chocolate.
Beneficial Foods
Some foods are soothing in your toddler's stomach and reduce the risk of reflux, according to TheHealthCareCenter.com. Offer your child bananas, whole grain cereals and bread, apple juice, peaches, pears, low-fat vegetable soup, chicken soup or beef soup, brown rice, vegetables and frozen yogurt.
Other Diet Considerations
Feed your toddler five or six mini-meals per day, instead of three larger meals that may over-fill his stomach and induce reflux. The "Gale Encyclopedia" also recommends encouraging your child to remain upright after eating to reduce the risk of reflux, which increases when the child lies down. If your child has GERD and his symptoms worsen or if he does not gain weight or he has blood in his vomit, call your doctor.
References
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health"; Kristine Krapp, Jeffrey Wilson, 2005
- Reflux.org: Pediatric Acid Reflux 101
- The Health Care Center: GERD Diet Suggestions --- Items to Eat and to Avoid
