Gastroesophageal reflux disease in adolescents (GERD in adolescents, Chronic heartburn teenagers; Reflux esophagitis in adolescents; Heartburn teenagers; Reflux in adolescents)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease—Adolescent (GERD—Adolescent; Chronic Heartburn—Adolescent; Reflux Esophagitis—Adolescent; Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease—Adolescent; GORD—Adolescent; Heartburn—Adolescent; Reflux—Adolescent)
Description of heartburn in adolescents
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – disorder, wherein the edible acid and enters the stomach. GERD is different from gastroesophageal reflux (FAMILY). GER is common in infants, and usually goes to 12 months.
This disease can cause serious health problems. Treatment of GERD includes lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes surgery.
The causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease in adolescents
Food passes down the esophagus to the stomach. At this point, the opening between the esophagus and the stomach (esophageal opening) opens, passing food in the stomach. Usually, as soon as the food enters the stomach, it closes. When GERD esophageal opening does not close tightly and stomach acid flows into the esophagus (This phenomenon is called acid reflux), causing a burning sensation.
Factors, that contribute to GERD:
- Weak squeezing the lower esophageal sphincter (NPC) – valve, which keeps food in the stomach;
- The relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (NPC);
- The increased pressure in the abdominal cavity.
Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease in adolescents
Factors, that may increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease in adolescents include:
- Obesity;
- Smoking;
- Alcohol.
The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in adolescents
These symptoms, except heartburn, They may be caused by other diseases. If a teenager is experiencing any of them, should see a doctor.
Symptoms may include:
- Heartburn;
- Regurgitaciâ;
- Pain in the abdomen or chest;
- Vomiting;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Dry cough;
- Raspy voice;
- Sore throat;
- Recurrent pneumonia or exacerbation of asthma;
- Weight loss, anorexia.
Diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease in adolescents
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.
Tests may include:
- Radiopaque barium study – top series of X-rays of the digestive system,performed after the adoption of a solution of barium;
- Upper endoscopy with biopsy together – for studying esophageal tube inserted into it from the light source at the end, as well as the selected fabric for research in the laboratory;
- 24-hour pH monitoring – a probe placed in the esophagus, to monitor the level of acidity in the lower esophagus.
The treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in adolescents
Treatments include:
Lifestyle changes
Before recommending treatment, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes teenager. They may include:
- We must eat food in small portions, but more often;
- Avoid eating before bedtime;
- I need to sleep, placing a pillow on her head high;
- It is necessary to lose weight;
- We need to quit smoking;
- Avoid alcohol.
Limit consumption of the following products:
- Chocolate;
- Fried foods;
- Mint;
- Spicy food;
- Products, caffeine;
- Carbonated drinks;
- Foods high in fat and acid.
Medications for the treatment of GERD in adolescents
Medicines can help relieve symptoms and heal damage to the esophagus. Many drugs for the treatment of GERD-counter and prescription. The doctor may recommend the child take the following medications:
- Antacids;
- H-2 blockers;
- Proton pump inhibitors.
The procedures for the treatment of GERD in adolescents
In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery or endoscopy. The most common surgery, It called fundoplication. During this procedure, the surgeon wraps part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter. This allows the sphincter to contract harder and prevents stomach acid into the esophagus. In many cases, this procedure can be done through a small incision in the skin (laparoscopic fundoplication).
Prevention of GERD in adolescents
At the moment, there are no methods of prevention of GERD.
