Children And Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is not just common in adults but also in children. The unfortunate problem with acid reflux in children is that the symptoms could go unoticed. This is because children do not know how to express themselves and cannot describe what they are feeling.
Before you go for diagnostics, learn a little about what characterizes acid reflux in children. This occurs when the acid contained in the stomach for the digestion of food, with or without food, rises up the alimentary canal which is also called as esophagus. There is a ‘little gate’ at the upper end of the stomach, which is meant to keep the food inside till it is digested. There is another ‘little gate’ at the end of the mouth which is meant to keep the food in the mouth till it is ready to be swallowed.
These two little gates are the most crucial players in the acid reflux in children. While the upper esophageal sphincter (the gate at the end of the mouth) opens to let the food in, many times the other gate, the lower esophageal sphincter, also opens. This is totally independent of the upper gate’s movement, but when it happens, the acid and food from the stomach, will come up in the alimentary canal. This upwards movement creates a strong burning sensation which the adults recognize and interpret as acidity.
Unfortunately, acid reflux in children goes undetected for a long time simply because the children do not know what is happening and do not know how to express themselves well. By the time they are able to explain, the acid reflux in children will disappear.
Watch closely the child when he/she is eating, and when they are on empty stomach. Ask them if they feel the food coming back into the mouth, if they ever feel their chest burning after eating. If any of these answers are, “yes”, then it would be good if you show your child to a specialist or pediatrician.
A series of test are carried out which include Barium and X-ray Test and/or endoscopy. If the diagnosis is found to be positive then another test will follow measuring the amount of acid contained in the stomach. It is only then that a doctor will be able to prescribe suitable treatment.
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