An upset stomach related to acid, also called acid indigestion, can affect any child, no matter the age or gender. Symptoms can be extreme and make it difficult for your child to eat, gain weight and thrive. Although a doctor's intervention is sometimes necessary, you can typically treat symptoms right from home.
Symptoms
Acid indigestion can last anywhere from a few minutes to more than two hours. It tends to worsen after meal time or when your child is lying flat on her back. Symptoms can include crying after eating, spitting up or vomiting, wet burps, irritability, chest pain, wheezing, a choking sensation, wet hiccups, bloating, nausea and upper belly pain. You child may also have difficulty gaining weight or refuse to eat.
Triggers
Your child can experience indigestion if the sphincter muscle, which attaches the stomach to the esophagus, does not close right or relaxes when it is not supposed to. Stress, lack of sleep and digestive conditions such as an ulcer can trigger acid indigestion. It can also be caused by certain foods, including garlic, caffeinated beverages, citrus fruits and onions. Some neurological or developmental problems such as cerebral palsy can also cause acid indigestion in children.
Remedies and Prevention
Keep your child in an upright position after he eats to prevent acid from traveling back up into the esophagus. Avoid giving your child foods that trigger acid indigestion, such as spicy or fried foods, especially if it's within a few hours of bedtime. Elevate your child's bed about 8 inches to minimize acid indigestion at night. If symptoms are severe, a doctor can prescribe a medication to inhibit or reduce stomach acid.
Considerations
Contact a pediatrician if your child projectile vomits, throws up large amounts of food after every meal, has breathing difficulty, experiences pain or difficulty swallowing, begins to lose weight or fails to gain weight. In addition, seek help if he begins to vomit yellow, green or bloody fluid that resembles coffee grounds. These could be signs of a serious complication such as damage to your child's esophagus.
