Gastroesophageal reflux disease in a child (GERD child; Chronic heartburn is a child; Reflux esophagitis in child; Heartburn is a child; Reflux of child)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease—Child (GERD—Child; Chronic Heartburn—Child; Reflux Esophagitis—Child; Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease—Child; GORD—Child; Heartburn—Child; Reflux—Child)

Description of heartburn in the child

Hastroэzofahealnыy reflux (FAMILY) – throwing acid or food from the stomach into the esophagus. Esophagus – muscular tube, connecting the mouth and stomach. GER is common in infants, and usually goes to 12 months.

Continuing ERT called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Threw acid irritates the mucous membrane of the esophagus, that leads to heartburn, pain in the stomach and chest.

GERD can occur at any age. To get rid of GERD often requires lifestyle changes. Some cases of severe GERD require medication or surgery. The sooner treatment begins GERD, the better the result.

The causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease in a child

GERD is caused by the regular release of stomach acid into the esophagus. It is not always clear, Why acid enters the esophagus, reasons may vary. It is also believed, that some cases of GERD associated with a genetic predisposition .

Acid retained in the stomach by a valve in the upper part of the stomach. The valve opens, when the food comes to the stomach. After passage of food into the stomach valve closes, preventing leakage of liquid and food. If the valve does not close properly, acid from the stomach may escape. Causes, by which the valve can not be closed:

• Problems with the nerves, controlling the opening and closing of the valve;
• Increased pressure in the stomach;
• Irritation of the stomach or muscle valve;
• Problems with the valve itself.

Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease in a child

Factors, that may increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease in a child include:

• Miscarriage;
• Down's syndrome;
• Neurological deterioration, such as intellectual disability;
• Cerebral paralysis;
• Traumatic brain injury;
• Hiatal hernia;
• Food Allergies;
• Obesity;
• Taking certain medications (eg, theophylline, Dexamethasone);
• The impact of tobacco smoke;
• Additional pressure on the valve, that keeps food in the stomach;
• Narrow or short esophagus;
• Delayed gastric emptying.

The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in a child

These symptoms, except heartburn, They may be caused by other diseases. If your child experiences any of them, should seek medical advice immediately.

Symptoms may include:

• Regurgitation or vomiting;
• Hematemesis;
• Weight loss or poor increase;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Pain in the abdomen or chest;
• Recurrent pneumonia and other respiratory tract problems;
• Coughing or wheezing;
• Hoarseness;
• Dental problems (due to the effect of stomach acid on tooth enamel);
• Feeling full almost immediately after eating;
• Chronic heartburn.

Diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease in a child

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history of the child, and perform a physical examination. Child, perhaps, children need to visit a gastroenterologist, who specializes in diseases of the stomach and intestines.

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 – the child is placed in the esophagus probe, to monitor the level of acidity in the lower esophagus.

The treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in a child

Treatments include:

Changing lifestyles child

• Children's doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, Before you begin treatment with medication. These changes may include:
  • We need to eat small, frequent meals;
  • It is recommended not to eat for 2-3 hours before bedtime;
  • Under the head of the child need to lay a pillow;
  • Have your child lie on his left side while sleeping.
• Child, perhaps, should avoid certain foods, such as:
  • Chocolate;
  • Fried foods;
  • Mint;
  • Spicy food;
  • Products, caffeine;
  • Carbonated drinks;
  • Foods high in fat and acid;
• If your child is obese, your doctor may recommend weight reduction;
• Избегайте воздействия пассивного курения на ребенка.

Medications for the treatment of GERD in a child

Is used to treat drug grabs include:

• H2-blockers of histamine receptors – to reduce acid production and promote healing (eg, Tagamet, Pepsid, Zantac);
• Proton pump inhibitors – also reduce acid production and promote healing (eg, Prilosek, Prevacid, Protonix, Nexium)
• Stimulant drugs – to help the emptying of the stomach (eg, metoclopramide [The rule]), rarely used.

Consult your doctor before prescribing any medications your child.

The procedures for the treatment of GERD in a child

In severe cases of GERD 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).

Preventing GERD child

In most cases the causes of GERD in children are unknown. Some cases of GERD can be prevented by:

• Changes in lifestyle and dietary changes, If your child has GER;
• Avoidance of passive smoking.