Diagnosing GERD in Children
In order to diagnose
GERD in children, the healthcare provider will ask a number of questions about:
- Current symptoms
- Feeding history.
He or she will also perform a physical exam to look for signs and
symptoms of GERD. Depending on what is found, the healthcare provider may also recommend certain tests. These tests can help determine if GERD is the problem or if the child has some other condition.
Older children can also have GERD. To start the treatment program, they may be asked to change their diet or some parts of their lifestyle, and/or to take GERD medication for a period of time to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for GERD in Children
Treatment for GERD in children also depends on the age. For young children with GERD, treatment will vary based on a number of factors, including the severity of symptoms and the age of the child. In some cases, treatment may not be necessary, because reflux will often improve on its own after 1 to 2 years of age. In these cases, feeding and sleeping modifications (like burping the infant several times during feeding or keeping the infant in an upright position for 30 minutes after feeding) may help considerably.
For older children, specific treatments for GERD may include:
Your child may be asked to avoid certain foods, including:
- Sodas that contain caffeine
- Chocolate and peppermint
- Spicy foods like pizza
- Acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes
- Fried and fatty foods.
Avoiding food 2 to 3 hours before bed may also help. The doctor may recommend that the child sleep with his or her head raised.
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