What is Pediatric Reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition where acid and other contents from the stomach flows back into the esophagus. There is a sphincter on the esophagus that prevents contents from the stomach from coming back up. Acid Reflux occurs when this spincter cannot close properly. When acid reflux occurs in children, it is often referred to as pediatric acid reflux. Studies have shown that there are approximately 7 million and infants in the United States who suffer from pediatric reflux.

What are some of the symptoms of pediatric reflux?

Parents will usually be able to tell if that there is something unusual going on with their child. Some of the symptoms of acid reflux include: sore throat, chest pain, trouble sleeping, gagging and hoarseness. The child may also become malnourished and lose weight.

What are some of the causes of pediatric reflux?

Doctors believe that most cases of pediatric reflux can be attributed to a problem with the digestive tract. Overeating is another cause of pediatric reflux. Additionally, certain medications, food and obesity are also possible causes of this condition.

Can a child get complications from pediatric reflux?

It is important to note that many babies will experience a case of pediatric reflux and most of them will grow out of it. However, if this condition is left untreated, complications can result. One of the most common complications associated with pediatric reflux is a damaged esophagus. The reason that this complication is so common is because acid erodes the lining of the esophagus. Untreated Pediatric reflux also increases the chances of the child developing esophageal cancer later in life.

What are some of the treatment options for pediatric reflux?

There are a number of treatment options available. A physician will perform a thorough physical exam and prescribe a treatment based on the findings of that exam. Changing the positioning during feeding time may help alleviate acid reflux in infants. A physician may also advise that the child’s diet be changed. Foods that are acidic, spicy and high in fat have been shown to contribute to pediatric reflux.

If this condition cannot be alleviated by changing the diet or positioning of the infant, the doctor may prescribe a medication. Antacids, acid blockers and barriers are some of the most commonly prescribed medications that are used to treat pediatric reflux. It is important to note that finding the right medication may be a matter of trial and error.

If the child does not respond to any other treatments, the physician may advise doing surgery. Surgery poses several risks to a child, which is why doctors only recommend it as a last resort. The procedure is done by tightening the esophageal spinchter so that acid and other contents cannot flow into the esophagus.

Where can I find more information about pediatric reflux?

People who are looking for more information about pediatric reflux should visit Reflux Remedy at refluxremedy.com today.

The first time that acid reflux causes chest pain, you may feel as though you are having a heart attack. Acid reflux and chest pain affects thousands, with the burning pain even causing some to rush to their local emergency physicians. Learning how to control acid reflux and chest pain through natural ways, such as diet, allows you to be more comfortable while improving your health.

Symptoms and Facts

If you have undiagnosed GERD, and experience chest pain, the best thing that you can do is seek medical help immediately. While up to sixty percent of chest pain is caused by acid reflux, it is best to be sure that your symptoms aren’t caused by a more serious condition. A diagnosis from a medical professional can be very helpful in combating acid reflux and chest pain. The most common symptoms of reflux, also called GERD, include chest pain, bitter taste in the mouth, and burning along the esophagus.

Reflux can happen anytime, but for most chest pain and burning occur after lying down, but the symptoms can occur anytime. Often, the remedy can be as simple as sitting up and sipping water. For those with more serious acid reflux, however, more dramatic changes in the diet and lifestyle need to be made to experience long term relief. Occasional reflux can also be avoided by making changes in the diet.

Natural Remedies

The longest lasting and most effective ways to reduce acid reflux and chest pain caused by GERD is to ensure you live a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a good weight and exercise are both helpful in combating the condition, but there are also some short term remedies that you can use. For instance, drinking fat free milk lines the stomach and protects against acid. Drinking water is also a good way to dilute the acid in the stomach, and to reduce the burning sensation experienced.

Caffeine, alcohol and smoking can increase the symptoms of acid reflux, and chest pain can occur when using these products in large amounts. Limit alcohol and caffeinated drinks to reduce symptoms, and stop smoking as soon as possible to improve your overall health, and to help eliminate GERD. Spicy foods, and fatty foods, also increase the symptoms of acid reflux.

Dietary Changes

Milder flavors, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grain products are an ideal diet for everyone, but these types of foods are even more important when experiencing acid reflux and chest pain. A healthy diet that is low in fat can help you reach your ideal weight, as well, which will further reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. If you experience chest pain when lying down at night, you may want to try eating an hour earlier and walking or drinking milk before bed.

With some simple changes and dedication to living a healthier lifestyle, you can eliminate acid reflux and chest pain associated with GERD. Getting a diagnosis from a medical professional is the first step in finding relief from your symptoms.

For more information on acid reflux and chest pain download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com today!

Causes of Acid Reflux

There are many different factors that can contribute to the development of acid reflux disease. If you have this disease, it was probably caused by a combination of issues surrounding your digestive system. Digestion is one of the most important processes of the body. Whenever you eat food, the process begins. Food that is swallowed goes down your esophagus, past the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and into the stomach. The LES opens and closes to allow food to enter the stomach. If you have a LES that is weak, you may develop acid reflux. A weakened or dysfunctional LES will not close normally. If it remains open, this can permit stomach or gastric acids to go up the esophagus. Other causes of acid reflux disease include pregnancy, hiatal hernia, obesity, diet, behaviors and certain medications like diabetes. Respiratory diseases can also contribute to acid reflux.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Heartburn is the major symptom of acid reflux. When stomach acid reaches the esophagus and throat, this causes irritation. Stomach acid is used to break down foods for the extraction of nutrients. This acid is too corrosive for other parts of the body. When stomach acid travels to other areas, this can cause you to feel a painful, burning sensation in your chest area.

Dysphagia is another symptom of acid reflux. This is when you have the feeling that food is stuck in your throat. You may also have difficulty with swallowing.

Regurgitation is also a sign of acid reflux. Food can also escape from the stomach through the LES and into the esophagus, causing discomfort. People with acid reflux disease may feel nauseated and uncomfortable. Nausea is related to another symptom which is excessive burping and vomiting. Wet burps also allow gastric acid to reach the esophagus and throat.

Bloating is yet another symptom. Bloating will cause you to feel pain and fullness in your abdomen. Bloating can trigger chest pain and hiccups as well.

Treatment for Acid Reflux

There are several treatment options for acid reflux. Some treatments are preventative while others offer a solution for acid reflux that is already present. These measures can help to prevent you from developing acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The easiest ways to combat acid reflux is to have lifestyle changes. You should try not to eat meals right before you go to bed because this increases gastric acid production at a time when your body will be horizontal. In this position, the acid can easily escape through a weak LES and get into the esophagus. Eating smaller meals is best for preventing acid reflux. Larger meals encourage acid production. You should also be careful about the kinds of food you eat. Fattening foods are not ideal. Stay away from caffeine, garlic, onions and alcohol. Aloe juice, water, ginger and papaya enzymes have been known to neutralize stomach acid, promote digestion and reduce the discomfort caused by acid reflux disease.

Acid reflux disorder is a condition that can occur when you have a lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that does not operate as it should. The LES is a crucial component of the digestive system. Food that is headed to your stomach when you eat has to pass the LES to enter the stomach for digestion. The LES serves as a muscular ring at the end of the esophagus, right next to the diaphragm and stomach opening. For food morsels to get to the stomach, the LES has to open. Usually, the LES closes after each portion of food goes to the stomach. If your LES is weak, it does not close tightly enough to prevent stomach acids from getting into your esophagus.

Stomach acid is the last thing you want near your esophagus. Stomach acid is used to digest foods. The digestive process may begin in your mouth, but it is in the stomach that most of the work takes place. Gastric acids help to break down foods into smaller particles so that the intestines can absorb and distribute the proteins and minerals that are essential for your body. The acidity of stomach acid is very high and it can only be tolerated in the stomach. The stomach wall and lining is equipped to handle the corrosive nature of stomach acid.

Once stomach acid gains access to your esophagus there can be a problem. The esophagus doesn’t have the same protective lining that the stomach has. When acid that comes from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, this is called acid reflux disorder. Acid reflux disorder can be a challenge for many people. By being more aware of acid reflux you will be able to identify the causes, signs and treatment options.

Causes: The cause of acid reflux may stem from other conditions: being pregnant, obese, having a hiatal hernia or diabetes can contribute to acid reflux disorder. These conditions change the dynamics of the body, especially the stomach. When pressure is added to the stomach, there is a shift of the stomach. When food is digested irregularly, this can trigger acid reflux. Food is a big factor. Eating foods just before bed, lifting heavy objects or eating fatty foods can put you at risk for acid reflux disorder.

Signs: Symptoms of acid reflux disorder include heartburn, nausea, regurgitating food, chest pain, dysphagia, burping and an awful bitter taste in the mouth. Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux disorder and can cause you to experience a burning feeling in your chest and throat. Signs in children may include respiratory problems that include a chronic cough, wheezing and asthma-like symptoms.

Treatment: Holistic remedies for acid reflux are highly suggested as a method of controlling symptoms. Drinking aloe juice, lots of water, and eating papaya will reduce the production of gastric acid in the stomach. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating less fattening meals and reducing alcohol intake are great techniques. Remember that effective treatment varies for each individual.

For more information on acid reflux disorder, review The Reflux Remedy Report to get all of your questions answered.