acid reflux children
Children Suffer From Acid Reflux
Remy Jirek
Remy Jirek
Acid Reflux children suffer from acid reflux just like adults do. It is common for children to have acid reflux, and it is also common for it to go undiagnosed. The reason acid reflux in children goes undiagnosed is because it is hard for children to explain how they are feeling. It is not always easy for a child or adult to describe how they are feeling. If the child cannot explain to a parent or other adult how they are feeling, it is hard for the adult to know what the child is suffering from. This chronic heartburn may go undiagnosed for some time before the child and parent figure out what the problem is and seek medical help.
The common belief is that acid reflux is a malady that affects only adults. Nothing could be further from truth. In fact, acid reflux in children is very common. Unfortunately, the fact that most adults do not know too much about this, complicated by the fact that children do not know how to express themselves and explain what they feel, makes this a relatively obscure disease.
How Can You Find Out Whether Your Child Is Suffering From Acid Reflux?
Before you go for diagnostics, learn a little about what characterizes acid reflux in children. This occurs when the acid contained in the stomach for the digestion of food, with or without food, rises up the alimentary canal, which is also called as esophagus. There is a 'little gate' at the upper end of the stomach, which is meant to keep the food inside till it is digested. There is another 'little gate' at the end of the mouth, which is meant to keep the food in the mouth till it is ready to be swallowed.
These two little gates are the most crucial players in the acid reflux in children. While the upper esophageal sphincter (the gate at the end of the mouth) opens to let the food in, many times the other gate, the lower esophageal sphincter, also opens. This is totally independent of the upper gate's movement, but when it happens, the acid and food from the stomach, will come up in the alimentary canal. This upwards movement creates a strong burning sensation, which adults recognize and interpret as acidity.
Unfortunately, acid reflux in children goes undetected for a long time simply because the children do not know what is happening and do not know how to express themselves well. By the time they are able to explain, the acid reflux in children will disappear. Watch closely the child when he/she is eating, and when they are on empty stomach. Ask them if they feel the food coming back into the mouth, if they ever feel their chest burning after eating. If any of these answers are, "yes", then it would be good if you show your child to a specialist or pediatrician.
The Diagnosis Of Acid Reflux In Children
The diagnosis is based on a series of tests, which include Barium and X-ray Test and/or endoscopy. These tests will help the doctor identify where and what could be the problem, for which the food regurgitated. If the diagnosis is found to be positive, then there would be another test following, i.e. the test which would measure the amount of acidity the stomach contains, so the doctors can judge what type of treatment he/she should prescribe.
How Can You Find Out Whether Your Child Is Suffering From Acid Reflux?
Before you go for diagnostics, learn a little about what characterizes acid reflux in children. This occurs when the acid contained in the stomach for the digestion of food, with or without food, rises up the alimentary canal, which is also called as esophagus. There is a 'little gate' at the upper end of the stomach, which is meant to keep the food inside till it is digested. There is another 'little gate' at the end of the mouth, which is meant to keep the food in the mouth till it is ready to be swallowed.
These two little gates are the most crucial players in the acid reflux in children. While the upper esophageal sphincter (the gate at the end of the mouth) opens to let the food in, many times the other gate, the lower esophageal sphincter, also opens. This is totally independent of the upper gate's movement, but when it happens, the acid and food from the stomach, will come up in the alimentary canal. This upwards movement creates a strong burning sensation, which adults recognize and interpret as acidity.
Unfortunately, acid reflux in children goes undetected for a long time simply because the children do not know what is happening and do not know how to express themselves well. By the time they are able to explain, the acid reflux in children will disappear. Watch closely the child when he/she is eating, and when they are on empty stomach. Ask them if they feel the food coming back into the mouth, if they ever feel their chest burning after eating. If any of these answers are, "yes", then it would be good if you show your child to a specialist or pediatrician.
The Diagnosis Of Acid Reflux In Children
The diagnosis is based on a series of tests, which include Barium and X-ray Test and/or endoscopy. These tests will help the doctor identify where and what could be the problem, for which the food regurgitated. If the diagnosis is found to be positive, then there would be another test following, i.e. the test which would measure the amount of acidity the stomach contains, so the doctors can judge what type of treatment he/she should prescribe.
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