Acid Reflux Disease and Children

Acid reflux is a condition that afflicts many adults. Unfortunately, children can also suffer from the symptoms of acid reflux.

Acid reflux, or gastro-esophageal reflux, is when the contents of the stomach churn up into the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the stomach with the mouth. A muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter, keeps the stomach closed off until food is swallowed. The lower esophageal sphincter then opens up to allow the food into the stomach and closes again. Acid reflux in children can begin as early as infancy, but few carry it over into early childhood.

Acid reflux in children is so common that many people aren't aware that it is happening. In many cases, gastro-esophageal reflux happens rapidly, with the acid coming up into the esophagus and then quickly going back down into the stomach. In these cases, no damage to the esophagus occurs. Acid reflux in children can cause the stomach acid to stay in the esophagus, which damages the esophagus lining. In some cases, acid reflux in children causes the stomach contents to go all the way out into the mouth, which is then swallowed again. When this occurs, the child might develop a chronic cough, raspy voice, or become hoarse. Other symptoms of acid reflux in children include difficulty in swallowing, wheezing, or recurring pneumonia.

If you suspect that your child is suffering from acid reflux in children, see his or her pediatrician. The doctor will examine the child and evaluate the symptoms. Sometimes, they will run tests to diagnose whether acid reflux in children is present, although the child may begin treatment without the tests.

One of the tests performed is an upper GI-series X-ray. The child drinks barium before the test is performed, then an X-ray is taken. This particular test is effective in locating hiatal hernias, blockages, and other gastrointestinal problems.

Another test, which can be more effective than the X-ray, is the endoscopy. Usually, the child is sedated so he or she falls asleep during the test. Then, an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible plastic tube with a camera attached to the end, is placed down the throat. Using the endoscope, the doctor can directly examine the esophagus lining, stomach, and part of the small intestine. During the endoscopy, the doctor can perform a biopsy painlessly.

A third test, known as the esophageal pH probe, might be used. A light, thin wire that has an acid sensor on the tip is inserted into the patient's nose and into the lower portion of the esophagus. The pH probe detects and records the traces of stomach acid present in the esophagus.