Indigestion causes burning and irritation in the stomach, as well as an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after a meal. Heartburn might accompany the indigestion, which can cause burning and pain in the throat and upper chest. Toddlers might experience the condition when they eat something that doesn't agree with their stomach or if they eat too quickly. An occasional episode of indigestion in a toddler is normal and generally responds well to home treatment and lifestyle changes, but pain after eating for two or more weeks requires a visit to the doctor for identification and treatment.
Antacids
Antacids can neutralize stomach acids and lessen burning and irritation from heartburn. Although they provide quick relief, the neutralizing effect only lasts for a couple of hours so you might need to administer the medications several times a day if the indigestion returns. Check with your child's doctor for dosage and brand recommendations. Although these medications do not appear to cause serious side effects, pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene cautions that many are not FDA-approved for children. There is also a lack of research into their long-term safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients. Excessive use might result in constipation or diarrhea.
Acid Blockers
Instead of just neutralizing stomach acids, acid blockers block stomach acid production. They take 30 minutes to several hours to take effect, but can work for up to eight hours. Since they do not provide instant relief, doctors usually recommend using them on a long-term basis to help children with chronic heartburn or indigestion problems. You can find over-the-counter and prescription types of acid blockers. You will usually administer the medications twice a day, but your doctor might recommend giving your toddler an extra dose an hour before bedtime if heartburn frequently wakes him at night. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that acid-blocking medications work for about half of chronic heartburn sufferers.
Prokinetics
Prokinetics, or motility medicines, relieve heartburn and indigestion by strengthening and increasing muscle tone in the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. This makes the stomach empty faster so the gases are less likely to cause burning and irritation. Some common motility medicines include bethanechol, metclopramide and cisapride. Pediatrician Dr. William Sears rarely uses metclopramide in his pediatrics practice due to the risk of potentially serious side effects, such as twitching and fainting.
Prevention/Solution
Offer your toddler small meals frequently throughout the day in place of several large meals. Less food in the stomach can reduce acid production and reflux. Teach your toddler to take small bites and chew his food thoroughly before swallowing. Eat dinner early in the evening. Serve low-fat, soft foods like applesauce or mashed potatoes if your child requests a bedtime snack. Do not serve fluids with meals. Instead, encourage your child to drink before or after her meal. Jumping around during or after the meal can increase heartburn so instruct your child to stay still for 30 minutes after she eats.
References
- AskDrSears.com: Abdominal Pain, Chronic
- KidsHealth from Nemours; Indigestion; J. Fernando del Rosario; December 2009
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- AskDrSears.com: GER: What It Is, What To Do
- DrGreene.com; Gastroesophageal Reflux Treatment; Alan Greene; April 1, 2008
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Indigestion
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