Acid Reflux in children is a phenomenon that disturbs parents, children and physicians. Also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this malady has been known as heartburn among adults for decades. Its occurrence in children has not received a lot of attention until recently.
What Is Acid Reflux?
GERD is diagnosed when a patient suffers from the unwanted regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus. Sometimes, people even experience it to such an extent that the acid comes up to the level of their mouth. However, a patient may never be aware of any regurgitation. Instead, the only sensation noticed is a pain or burning in the chest. That is why it has habitually been referred to as heartburn.
There are various causes for this ailment. Obesity may be the fastest-growing cause in that it is the fundamental issue behind many other actual causes. However, GERD is more directly caused by issues such as hiatal hernias, hypercalcemia and systemic sclerosis. These and other issues, however, can often be tied to obesity in an indirect or direct fashion.
Why Does This Disease Impact Children?
This condition should not be mistaken for the usual regurgitation that is seen in infants. Though it is possible for such small children to experience regurgitation for pathological reasons, that is more likely just a development issue which is seen in almost all human infants. When GERD is seen in older children and teenagers, the primary culprit is often obesity or something that has to do with the eating habits of the child.
Overeating is one possible reason. However, the nature and quality of the food that adults and children eat has changed greatly in the last few decades. Many children also experience constipation, which was previously unheard of in that age group. Parents of children with GERD should take a close look at the type of food that children are eating as well as how much they are eating. Sometimes, this ailment can be cured with simple diet changes and not require the assistance of medical professionals.
Effects
The overall effects of GERD on children are similar to those found in adults. The esophagus was not mean to contain the powerful acids that are normally trapped by a sphincter muscle in the stomach. When the gastric juices do enter into this organ, they can undermine its integrity and degrade the tissues lining it. This can eventually cause frequent vomiting and even respiratory issues. Since the esophagus plays a critical role in digestion, unchecked GERD could even be deadly in the long run.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments. If dietary changes do not sufficiently treat the problem, there are over-the-counter medicines which help to neutralize the acids when they ascend into the esophagus. Doctors may prescribe more powerful remedies. Finally, surgery may be needed to repair damage caused by advanced GERD.
Knowledge about this malady is the best tool for treating it. With the right information, most people can control this illness or even cure it altogether.
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