Heartburn in Children

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!

What is Heartburn?

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.

What Causes Heartburn in Children?

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.

Risk Factors

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:

• Down syndrome
• Abnormalities in the digestive tract
• Neuromuscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy

Older children may be at a greater risk of heartburn if they take certain medications or if they are obese.

What Are GER and GERD Symptoms?

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:

• Acid Taste: A sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
• Trouble Swallowing: Difficulty swallowing food or liquids.
• Chronic Cough: A dry cough that doesn’t seem to go away.
• Fussy Eating: They may not want to eat at mealtimes.
• Trouble Breathing: Breathing problems that might mimic asthma.
• Frequent Spitting Up: This is especially common in infants and young children.

How is GER Identified?

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:

• Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is used to view the esophagus and stomach.
• pH Monitoring: Measures the amount of acid in the esophagus.
• Gastric Emptying Study: Assesses how well the stomach empties its contents.
• Upper Gi Radiology or Barium Swallow: X-ray imaging to check for abnormalities in the esophagus and stomach.

Treating GER and GERD

Treatment for GERD in children focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Try the following suggestions:

• Foods/drinks to avoid: If they can’t be avoided, eating/drinking in moderation is helpful. In general,  try to avoid eating anything for 2 hours before bedtime. These foods include: fast foods or fried foods, pizza, tomato-based products, cheese, processed snacks like potato chips, and chocolate, fatty meats like bacon or sausage, citrus fruits and juices, certain spices (pepper, chili powder, and peppermint), and carbonate or caffeinated beverages.
• Foods that help prevent reflux: These include: whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice), root vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots, beets), low acidic foods (nuts, bananas, cauliflower, melon), watery foods (lettuce, cucumber, celery, watermelon, broth-based soups), and green vegetables (broccoli, green beans, asparagus).
• Home remedies to alleviate symptoms: Low-fat/non-fat milk or low-fat yogurt can act as a buffer between the acid in the stomach and the stomach lining. Ginger in the form of ginger tea can help ease irritation in the digestive tract. Mixing a small amount of lemon in warm water with honey can help neutralize stomach acid.
• Medication: We always recommend dietary changes before trying medication.

When symptoms are intermittent, over-the-counter medication can be tried when symptoms arise. These medications could include:

• Antacid (calcium carbonate) found in Pepto Kids Chewables OR Antacid and Anti-gas (calcium carbonate and simethicone) found in Alka-Seltzer Kids or Children’s Mylicon Multisystem Relief Antacid/Antigas). Ages 2 and up. Doses are listed on the bottle.     

• Histamine 2 blocker (Generic: famotidine, Brand: Pepcid).  Ages 12 and up.

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.

When Should I Call After Hours Kids?

You should contact us if your child is experiencing:

• Persistent Symptoms: Despite lifestyle changes and medications, symptoms continue.
• Difficulties Eating: If your infant or child refuses to eat due to pain or discomfort.
• Severe Symptoms: Such as trouble breathing, severe chest pain, or vomiting blood.

Contact Us Today

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.