Lots of babies -- more than 60 percent -- have problems with gastric reflux during the first year of their life, according to AskDrSears.com, the parenting information website maintained by pediatrician William Sears. For babies, this early form of gastric reflux is usually due to an immature digestive system, and babies outgrow it as their system matures. Older children can have gastric reflux, too, and when they do, it's a more serious condition that requires special care.
Identification
Gastroesophageal reflux -- also known as gastric reflux, acid reflux or heartburn -- happens when the valve that separates your stomach from your esophagus doesn't work correctly, allowing the contents of your stomach to pass back up into your esophagus, creating a burning sensation. This happens to everyone occasionally, but, for people with gastric reflux, the frequency of this event can cause serious damage to the esophagus lining, which may increase risk for cancer over time, according to TeensHealth, an online health and parenting information resource maintained by the Nemours Foundation.
Symptoms
Children with gastric reflux may complain about burning or pain in the chest after eating. The pain usually persists for an hour or longer and often is accompanied by a sore throat or scratchy voice. They may have bad breath or a persistent dry cough. Sometimes, children with gastric reflux may throw up, have trouble swallowing or complain that they feel like food is stuck in their throats after a meal. In extreme cases, children with gastric reflux may lose weight or have recurrent pneumonia.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that your child has gastric reflux, talk to your pediatrician. She may evaluate your child or recommend you make an appointment with an internist or gastroenterologist to get a complete evaluation. To diagnose your child, your doctor may perform three tests: an X-ray of the child's upper chest, an endoscopy or an esophageal pH probe, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. These procedures can be uncomfortable for your child, but they are not dangerous. Depending on your child's other symptoms, your doctor may recommend one or more tests to confirm that she has gastric reflux.
Prevention and Treatment
If your child has gastric reflux, avoiding foods that trigger the condition may help -- tomatoes and tomato-based foods, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits, garlic, onions and spicy foods are common culprits, according to TeensHealth. Make sure to feed your child at least three hours before his regular bedtime or nap time since lying down shortly after eating can increase the likelihood of gastric reflux. In some cases, your child's doctor also may recommend prescription or over-the-counter medications. You should give your child medication for gastric reflux only if your doctor has recommended it.
