As a parent, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to keep your child healthy and happy. But sometimes, your child may still suffer from health problems despite your best efforts. One such problem is gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. GERD in children is much more common than most people know!
GERD is a condition in which the stomach contents—including acid—back up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat, as well as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty swallowing. In some cases, GERD can also lead to vomiting.
While GERD is more common in adults, it can also occur in children. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, up to 25% of all infants experience GERD. And while most children outgrow GERD by their first birthday, some may continue to experience symptoms into childhood and beyond.
So what can you do if you think your child may have GERD? Read on for a helpful overview of this condition, including how to identify symptoms and what steps you can take to treat and prevent it.
Signs and Symptoms of GERD in Children
The most common symptom of GERD in children is heartburn—a burning sensation in the chest or throat that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Other common symptoms include
- Frequent burping or hiccups
- Chronic cough or wheezing
- Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
- Refusal to eat or difficulty eating (due to pain)
- Vomiting or spitting up more than usual
- Wet burps or wet hiccups (stomach contents coming up with saliva)
- Heartburn that worsens when lying down or bending over
- Pain that gets worse when your child bends over, lies down, or stands after eating
Prevention of GERD in Children
There are several things you can do to help prevent GERD in your child:
- Encourage them to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of large meals
- Avoid trigger foods such as fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, and carbonated beverages
- Help them maintain a healthy weight by encouraging them to eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise
- Have them avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing around their waistline
- Keep them upright for at least 30 minutes after each meal
- Help them sleep with their head elevated by placing pillows under their mattress or using a wedge pillow
Chiropractic Care for GERD While medication is the most common treatment for GERD; there are also some natural options worth considering. Chiropractic care is one such option that may help relieve symptoms and improve overall digestive function.
That’s because chiropractic adjustments can help align the spine and improve nerve function throughout the body—including in the digestive system. When nerves function properly within the digestive system, they can send signals between the brain and gut more effectively. This allows the digestive system to work more efficiently overall and may help relieve symptoms associated with conditions like GERD.
If you’re interested in exploring chiropractic care for your child’s GERD, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment at (262)796-5108.
