Reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, is a condition in which the stomach contents in a person's stomach regurgitates back into the throat and mouth. The severity of the pain depends solely on severity of the condition, which varies with every child. Reflux is a condition that can be treated, but parents must first recognize its signs before this can take place.
Pain
Pain will most certainly accompany reflux in a toddler, however its locale may surprise you. According to Dr. Bryan Vartabedian, contributor to Health Central, although the pain a child feels is actually in her esophagus, she may say that it is in her belly. This is because toddlers are unable to accurately locate and characterize the pain they are feeling. However, if your toddler frequently has a stomach ache in combination with other symptoms of reflux, it may be time to have her tested and diagnosed.
Constantly Clearing of the Throat
Dr. Vartabedian states that this is one of the most overlooked signs of reflux in toddlers. However he compares it to persistent coughing to clear the lungs of mucus; the same is true of throat clearing. A child is doing this because she either feels the contents of her stomach rising, or it has risen and she is trying to rid her throat and esophagus of it.
Loss of Tooth Enamel
Your toddler's pediatrician is not the only person who may be able to diagnose her with reflux--her dentist may be of assistance as well. When the contents of her stomach consistently enter her mouth, the acid found in these contents slowly eat away at the enamel of her teeth. A trip to her dentist can verify that this is occurring and help speed the process of diagnosis and treatment.
Upper Respiratory Problems
According to the Ask Dr. Sears site, problems, such as asthma, wheezing and frequent coughing, may signify a reflux problem. In some toddlers who are not displaying any other symptoms, this may be the only sign of the condition that parents will notice. This is because the stomach contents can actually enter into the lungs, causing a toddler to cough. If severe enough, she may have a difficult time breathing.
Being a Picky Eater
This symptom of reflux in toddlers can be hard to discern from normal toddler behavior. According to Dr. Vartabedian, 25 percent of toddlers without reflux display some type of picky eating habits, however 60 percent of toddlers with reflux have this problem. To make the connection between your child's eating habits and medical condition, you may need to watch for other symptoms of reflux as well; once you have two pieces of the puzzle, it is easier for a diagnosis to be made.
