Gastroesophageal Reflux In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Gastroesophageal (gas-tro-e-sof-uh-g-ull) reflux is also called "GER." It is when the food or stomach acid in the stomach comes back up the esophagus (e-sof-uh-gus). The esophagus is the tube that takes food from the mouth to the stomach. GER is most common in infants (less than 1 year old), but can occur at any age. GER is usually gone by the time a child is 12 to 18 months old. A muscle on the bottom of the esophagus that does not work properly is the cause of GER. If this muscle does not work properly the food or stomach acid can come back up the esophagus.
  
  
• Some of the most common problems seen with GER are spitting up, vomiting, crying, coughing, gagging, and heartburn. Your child's caregiver may want to change your child's feeding habits to help the GER. Special medicine may also be needed to help with GER. Proper positioning after feeding may help prevent GER. Ask your child's caregiver about the best position for your child. Surgery is usually only needed when GER is very serious.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Keep a written list of what medicines your child takes and when and why your child takes them. Bring the list of your child's medicines or the pill bottles when you visit your child's caregivers. Ask your child's caregiver for more information about the medicines. Do not give any medicines to your child without first asking your child's caregiver. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements.
    
    
  • Always give your child's medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your child's caregiver if you think your child's medicines are not helping. Or if you feel your child is having side effects. Do not quit giving the medicines to your child until you discuss it with your child's caregiver. If your child is taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-ah-tiks), give them until they are all gone. Even if your child seems to feel better.
    
    
  • Never give aspirin to your child without first asking your child's caregiver. Giving aspirin to your child when he is ill may cause a very serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Read medicine labels to see if your child's medicine has aspirin.
  
  
• Proper positioning after feeding may help prevent GER. The position your child needs to be in after eating may depend on the age of your child. It may also depend on how bad your child's symptoms are. Some caregivers may suggest placing infants on their back after eating. This is especially true if an infant sleeps after eating. Ask a caregiver about the best position for your infant or child.
  
  
• Feed your child more frequently with smaller amounts of food. Adding 1 teaspoon or tablespoon of rice cereal for every 1 ounce of formula can thicken your child's formula. This may help your child keep the formula in the stomach. Talk to your child's caregiver before thickening your child's formula. Hold your child in an upright position during feedings. Burp your child frequently during and after each feeding. Try to feed your child 2 hours before bedtime.
  
  
• Do not place your child in a child safety seat (car seat) after feeding your child. Try to avoid putting pressure on your child's tummy after feeding, such as tight diapers.
  
  
• Children old enough to eat solid foods, should avoid the following foods or drinks to prevent GER:
  
  
  • Chocolate
    
    
  • Drinks with caffeine
    
    
  • Foods high in acid such as citrus fruits or tomatoes
    
    
  • Fried or fatty foods
    
    
  • Spicy foods

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your child continues to spit up.
  
  
• Your child is irritable or fussy during or after feedings.
  
  
• Your child is not eating.
  
  
• Your child is not gaining weight normally.
  
  
• Your child has a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• Your child vomits (throws up) forcefully.
  
  
• You have any questions about your child's care, condition, or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• The spitting up causes your child to cough or choke.
  
  
• Your child spits up blood.
  
  
• Your child has trouble breathing.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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