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.
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