Children and Acid Reflux
Children and Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a condition normally associated with adults.
Sadly, many children also suffer the effects of acid reflux.
This desease, also referred to as gastro-esophageal reflux,
occurs when stomach contents churn and rise up into the
esophagus, the tube connecting the stomach with the mouth. A
muscle between the esophagus and the stomach, known as the lower
esophageal sphincter, is responsible for keeping the stomach
closed off until food is swallowed. The lower esophageal
sphincter then opens up and allows the food into the stomach
before closing again. Although Acid reflux can begin during
infancy, it can carry over into early childhood.
Though quite common in children, most people are not aware of
it's occurrence. In most cases, the process of gastro-esophageal
reflux occurs quickly, the acid comes up into the esophagus and
then rapidly goes back down into the stomach. In this case, the
esophagus suffers no damage. However, if the stomach acid stays
in the esophagus, it damages the esophagus lining. In some
cases, the stomach contents rise up all the way into the mouth,
only to be swallowed again. This process causes a number of
symptoms such as a chronic cough, or a hoarse voice. More
serious symptoms can include difficulty in swallowing, wheezing,
and chronic pneumonia.
Anyone who suspects that their child is afflicted with acid
reflux, should have the child seen by his or her pediatrician.
After examining the child and evaluating the symptoms, the
doctor may run tests to diagnose whether acid reflux is present.
Often, the doctor will begin treatment before testing for acid
reflux. In one of the tests, called an upper GI-series X-ray,
the child's X-ray is taken after being given a glass of barium
to drink. This particular test is successfully used to locate
hiatal hernias, blockages, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Another test, thought to be more effective than the X-ray, is
the endoscopy. Typically, the child is sedated and put to sleep
during the test. An endoscope, which is a thin, flexible plastic
tube with a camera attached to the end, is then placed inside
the throat. With the help of endoscope, the doctor is directly
able to examine the esophagus lining, stomach, and a portion of
the small intestine. The endoscopy also allows the doctor to
perform a biopsy rather painlessly. Yet another test, the
esophageal pH probe, may also be used. This test consists of
using an extremely light, and ultra-thin wire with an acid
sensor tip and inserting it through the patient's nose and into
the lower esophagus. This method is used to detect and record
the presense of stomach acid in the esophagus.