Acid reflux can affect children too

When you hear the terms ‘heartburn’ and ‘acid reflux’ it’s easy to assume that these are adult ailments. However, children can also suffer from these conditions and their symptoms may appear quite different to those of adults.

Here’s what you need to know about gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in children:

It is not the same as infant reflux

Reflux is very common in young babies due to the fact that their digestive systems have not yet fully developed. Infant reflux usually presents in the form of spitting up milk or food after feeds. Most children grow out of infant reflux by the age of one as their digestive system has matured. ‘GORD in children is very different to infant reflux and the causes of the two conditions vary greatly,’ says general practitioner, Dr Mark Stodel. In children, GORD typically occurs when the muscular valve between the stomach and oesophagus relaxes or when pressure builds up below that valve.

Symptoms can vary in children

‘The most common symptoms in children are heartburn, regurgitation of food and avoidance of certain foods,’ says Dr Stodel. However, children with GORD may also have a persistent cough, hoarse voice, weight loss or abdominal pain.

It is important to seek treatment

If left untreated, GORD in children can cause breathing problems – if acid or food moves into the trachea or lungs – and it can also cause irritation or scarring of the oesophagus due to the constant exposure to acidic contents.

Diagnosis can be tricky

‘The gold standard is a pH monitor, which is inserted through the nose into the oesophagus, but this is very expensive. In practice, doctors tend to use symptoms and, if indicated, a gastroscope or barium meal. However, both of these methods are only diagnostic if they deliver positive results. So a negative result does not necessarily imply that there is no problem,’ explains Dr Stodel.

There are many different treatment options

Treatment varies, depending on the severity of the symptoms. The most common medication prescribed are antacids (such as Gaviscon) or proton pump inhibitors (such as Nexium and Altosec), which inhibit the production of stomach acid. In very severe cases, a surgical procedure known as fundoplication can be performed. In this surgery, a valve is created at the top of the stomach by folding a section of the stomach around the oesophagus.

Diet is also important

‘Try giving your child regular, small meals (rather than three large meals) throughout the day. Also avoid feeding your child fatty, spicy or acidic foods and carbonated drinks,’ says Dr Stodel. It may also help to keep your child upright for about two hours after eating or try raising the head of their bed slightly.