Worrisome Symptoms of Reflux Disease in Children

(2 - 12 Years Old) (Symptoms experienced by your child.)
1. Repeated vomiting associated with
Blood
Green or yellow fluid
Weight loss or poor weight gain

2. Frequent sensation of food or liquid coming up into the back of the throat or mouth

3. Frequent discomfort in the stomach or chest

4. Swallowing problems
* Discomfort with the act of swallowing
* Pain with swallowing
* Sensation that food gets stuck on the way down

5. Breathing Problems
* Wheezing
* Chronic cough or recurrent pneumonia
* Hoarseness
* Asthma

If you have concerns, speak to your healthcare provider.

WHAT’S UP WITH MY KID’S STOMACH?

Reflux and your Child (2 -12 year olds)
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) occurs during or after a meal when stomach contents go back into the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Most children are able to decrease their reflux with lifestyle and diet changes:

* Have your child eat smaller meals more often
* Avoid eating 2 to 3 hours before bed time
* Avoid carbonated drinks, chocolate, caffeine, and foods that are high in fat (french fries and pizza) or contain a lot of acid (citrus, pickles, tomato products) or spicy foods.
* Avoid large meals prior to exercise
* Help your child lose weight if they are overweight
* Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke
*
Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees

Most children with GER will be helped with the treatment mentioned above. If symptoms are severe or persistent then your primary care provider may consider treatment with a medication or referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist.