When your toddler was a baby, he almost certainly experienced GER, or gastroesophageal reflux, which is often called acid reflux; most infants do, and it commonly takes the form of spitting up after eating. However, if GER persists past a child's first birthday, it's often a sign of the more serious GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. If you think your toddler may be suffering from GERD, there are some signs to watch out for.
Step 1
Watch your toddler after eating to see how she reacts; while she may not be able to tell you how she's feeling, many signs can be observed without words. If she still spits up her food, or experiences wet burps or hiccups like she did as a baby, jot it down in a dedicated notebook or calendar so you know how often it happens. She may even vomit greenish or yellow fluids. Also note if she cries or acts like she has pain or discomfort in her stomach, chest or throat, picks at her food, or is slow to gain weight. Another sign of GER is trouble sleeping, since when your child lies down in a horizontal position, acid is more likely to wash back up into her esophagus.
Step 2
Keep an eye out for more serious complications that can be indications of GERD. The signs can include seemingly unrelated sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, or sleep apnea, which is an obstruction of the airway that causes your child to stop breathing while he sleeps. Asthma is another condition that often accompanies GERD, so if your toddler wheezes or coughs often, has a hoarse voice, or has problems catching his breath, it could be a sign of GERD.
Step 3
Take your child to see her doctor if symptoms of GER occur frequently, or if you notice signs of any of the conditions that can go along with GERD. Several tests can be done to confirm if she in fact has gastroesophageal reflux disease, although her doctor might want to start treatment first to see how she responds; if her symptoms get better with treatment, then expensive testing may be bypassed altogether. Tests rule out problems that appear similar to GERD--such as allergies, food absorption problems, or esophageal malformations--and may include an upper GI or barium swallow, 24-hour pH probe, upper endoscopy, or milk scan.
Step 4
Treat your child as recommended by his doctor, which may include medication, and implement dietary adjustments or lifestyle changes that will help keep GERD under control. These include avoiding tight clothes that restrict the abdomen, having your child remain upright for 30 minutes after eating, and elevating the head of his bed or crib by 6 to 8 inches with wooden blocks. Avoid foods that commonly cause reflux, such as carbonated beverages, foods or drinks that contain caffeine, chocolate, and spicy, acidic, fried or high fat foods. Acidic foods include citrus fruit and tomatoes, so avoid orange juice or foods with tomato sauce, like pizza or spaghetti. These measures are so effective that you can also put them in place as one of your first steps in determining whether your toddler has GER; however, don't use them as a substitute to seeing your child's doctor, because GERD in toddlers can be more serious than you think.
