Heartburn, often associated with adults, can also affect children, leading to discomfort and potential complications if not addressed. Understanding heartburn in children, its causes, and management can help you take the right steps to ensure your child’s well-being.
At After Hours Kids in Austin, TX, we specialize in pediatric care, including the diagnosis and treatment of heartburn and related conditions. Our dedicated team is here to provide the best care for your child, ensuring they lead a healthy and happy life. Contact us today!
Heartburn (also called acid indigestion) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. This condition is also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which can affect children as well as adults.
When this reflux occurs frequently, it can also be called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can lead to problems such as poor growth, vomiting, or damage to the esophagus. It is often treated with medicine.
The same mechanisms cause GER in children as in adults. The lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, may relax inappropriately, allowing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.
Certain foods can affect the muscle tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, causing it to stay open longer than it should. These include fried and fatty foods, chocolate, and peppermint. Citrus and spicy foods can cause the stomach to be more acidic and make symptoms worse.
Children in their first year are more likely to have GERD symptoms. They will normally grow out of it without treatment. Your child may be more likely to have GERD if he or she has:
Older children may be at a greater risk of heartburn if they take certain medications or if they are obese.
Heartburn—the feeling of a burning sensation in the chest—is the most identifiable symptom of GER and GERD. Your child may also experience one or more of the following:
Identifying GER in children involves a thorough medical history and evaluating your child’s symptoms. It will also involve a physical examination. Your child’s doctor will want to know what foods trigger the symptoms. Tests may also be carried out, including the following:
Treatment for GERD in children focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Try the following suggestions:
When symptoms are intermittent, over-the-counter medication can be tried when symptoms arise. These medications could include:
If medications are needed more frequently or symptoms arise more often, consult with your provider who may recommend a daily medication or referral to a gastroenterologist.
You should contact us if your child is experiencing:
If you have concerns about heartburn in children, our team at After Hours Kids is here to help. Please call us to schedule an appointment during business hours. You can also schedule online outside of business hours. Your child’s health and safety are our top priorities.
Pediatric Medical Care at a Convenient Time
Please call us to schedule an appointment during business hours.Online scheduling is only available outside of business hours.
5/5
Contact Info
The contents of this website, including any links or documents, are for educational and informational purposes only. The provision of this information is not an attempt to practice medicine or provide specific medical advice. The information on this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health condition, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical provider for medical advice. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site or its use. Neither After Hours Kids nor their employees, nor any contributor to this web site, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.
© Copyright 2024 After Hours Kids