Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Acid reflux in children

Acid reflux in children is a nasty, painful and life-threatening condition. Now known that the acid reflux is a hereditary disease. Gastroesophageal reflux is the reflux of acid from the stomach in the throat. In adults, heartburn is called and often hurts enough to simulate a heart attack.  In children, the problem is dismissed frequently as "spitting up" or colic. But in severe cases can cause lung damage, asthma, chronic ear infections of the sinuses, dental problems, vocal cord and even cancer of the esophagus.
When the child suffers from frequent vomiting, often not gain enough weight. And some doctors believe that many cases of sudden infant death syndrome are caused by asphyxia in content gastric reflux.
Your child might suffer from GERD when you feel a burning sensation in his chest, starting behind the breastbone and move his neck and throat. It is caused when a muscle that connects the stomach to the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, or them, it is weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing that the acid in the stomach to move into the esophagus.
Children who have frequent episodes of acid reflux can develop erosion of the esophagus, a condition called GERD or gastroesophageal reflux. The severity of the disease depends on the type and amount of fluid from the stomach and the neutralizing effect of saliva-bred.
How many children suffer from acid reflux?
While the experience of more than 60 million U.S. adults heartburn at least once a month, and about 25 million suffer daily attacks of the most severe form, GERD and 25 per cent of pregnant women also complain of daily heartburn, and more than 50 per cent has occasional heartburn, the exact number of children suffering is not known.  However, studies have shown that GERD is most common in infants and children than previously recognized.
Symptoms of acid reflux in children
Acid is the most common symptom. The burning sensation, pressure or pain of heartburn can last for two hours and is often worse after eating.  Lying down or bending over can result in acidity. Walking may reduce symptoms. Certain foods such as chocolate, mint and fried or fatty foods have been associated with repeated heartburn or acid reflux in children.
Treatment options for acid reflux in children
Most parents try to give to their common children antacid resources available over the counter, which can provide temporary relief. Changes in your child's diet and eating habits can improve the situation. It's reducing the size of the portions and not eat before bedtime. Elevate the head of the bed of his son of 6 inches can reduce episodes of acidity in the night.
Medications known as H2 blockers, which inhibit the secretion of acid in the stomach, are available at the desk, including brands such as Tagamet, Zantac and Pepcid AC.
A class of drugs called Proton pump or pumps for acid , works by inhibiting an enzyme in the stomach acid - producing cells.
Some severe cases of acid reflux in children may require surgery called fundoplication using laparoscopic techniques. The surgery is to adjust the stomach into the esophagus and the sewn himself to strengthen the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach.
The positive effects of the surgery may be temporary, however. Many patients eventually return to medications used for recurrent symptoms of acid reflux.

No comments:

Post a Comment

 
Real Time Analytics