Acid Reflux Symptoms in Children

Due to many reasons there might occur a condition wherein food and stomach acid tend to take a backward flow into the esophagus. This causes discomfort in adults, especially in children. It is highly unlikely that children may be able to put into words what they may be going through. And that is why parents must watch out for any abnormal physical symptoms in their children which may be indicative of acid reflux.

Symptoms

Acid reflux usually occurs during meal times. However, they can also occur at any given time. Starting off with the first symptom, irritability is one. It is normal for kids to become unusually irritable when something is not right with them. This symptom becomes noticeable generally post meals. Poor feeding is also one of the prominent symptoms. Obviously, if food is flowing back to their throat, they would find it displeasing. As a result of this, they might not have the liking for food any more. Due to this symptom, affected kids also tend to lose weight rapidly.

Post lunch, if your kid tends to feel nauseous or apparently vomits, then this also indicates a case of upset stomach that your kid is going through. However, parents need not worry if the symptom is not frequent, unless it is otherwise. The condition of acid reflux has one of its manifestations through persistent coughs, which seem to worsen at night. If this is accompanied by sore throat or hoarseness in the voice, it increases the chances of this condition. Pain and discomfort in the chest and heartburn are also common. Kids become vulnerable to ailments such as ear infections, infections of lungs and sinuses when they are hit by the condition of acid reflux. So, other symptoms may also include stuffy nose, congestion and wheezing.

How to Manage Acid Reflux in Children

The use of medicines is best when it is left for the pediatrician to take care of. What parents can do is to support their ailing child and take a few measures to keep him comfortable. While feeding, encourage the kid to sit up straight, and relax after meals. If possible, place your kid on your shoulder and stroke her/his back gently. This will help her/him burp and lessen the chances of acid reflux. The digestive system of kids and toddlers is not fully adaptable to adjust to spicy, fatty and acidic foods. So it is better if you avoid them. Feeding kids with smaller meals, elevating the head of the bed during sleep, limiting carbonated beverages, chocolate and citrus products are some more measures parents can take to help their children manage the condition.

It is important to know that the symptoms of acid reflux when occur frequently, may cause serious complications in kids. For instance, frequent vomiting may keep children from absorbing the required amount of nutrients required for healthy growth and development. Also, recurrences of acid reflux may cause inflammation of the esophagus. This may cause bleeding, scar tissue, preventing normal swallowing. This may further cause restrictions in eating, making things terribly worse. So, as soon as the symptoms come to notice, early measures must be taken to help your child recover without much damage to his health.