Dealing With Acid Reflux Disease in Children

Acid reflux in children is actually more common than one might think. It is also important to note that the consequences of not treating this disease can have the same long term complications seen in adults, namely damage to the esophagus, voice box, and the chance of esophageal cancer.
The first signs that a child may be suffering from acid reflux is difficulty swallowing, eating, and slow or stunted growth. You may also notice increased vomiting or projectile vomiting as well as throwing up green stomach bile. It may also appear to have coffee grounds or blood in it. Your child may also have trouble breathing after throwing up. These are all signs of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) that need to be taken to your childs pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosing reflux in children can be done by identifying symptoms and if needed a series of different tests, depending on what the doctor thinks needs to be done. An x-ray of the upper GI tract done in conjunction of swallowing barium can help diagnose a number of throat and stomach issues. An Endoscopy or esophageal pH probe may also be ordered in which a probe with a small light and camera are inserted down the throat and into the stomach. These procedures will require anesthesia of some type.