Recent studies have shown that Gastroesphageal Reflux (GER) is a common phenomenon among children of almost any age. It is also referred to as acid reflux and babies are also susceptible to it. The disorder can be mostly found with children that have underdeveloped digestive systems. However the condition of the acid reflux should get better once the child reaches the age of two. If it does not then it is best recommended that you consult with your doctor, as the condition might get worse than before.

The acid reflux that occurs in the child is when the stomach contents as well as the acid go back up into the esophagus. This will result in the esophagus becoming irritated and it might also cause the child to feel pain. When this happens it may force the food to come out of the child’s mouth. The child may either vomit with force or they may experience a wet burp that does not come out all the way to the mouth.

There are many type of different symptoms that are associated with the acid reflux that a child experiences. The common symptoms that may be present when a child is experiencing acid reflux includes irritability, sudden crying, not being able to eat, wet burps, pain, vomiting or spitting up, colic symptoms, not sleeping well and even bad breath. There are also lesser known symptoms but nonetheless, you should watch out for them just in case and they include problems with swallowing, choking, not gaining any weight, hoarseness, asthma, loud breathing, lots of saliva, neck arching, gagging, sore throat, losing weight, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus infection and even drooling.

Now that we have discussed some of the symptoms that are associated with acid reflux, we shall now look some of the complications that the child may experience. When your babies spit out or regurgitate a little milk that you give them it is very common for children at that age to do so. However, you should pay special attention to esophagitis and heartburns which can make regurgitation as problem. Heartburn is basically the burning sensation that you feel when the acids in your stomach come up to the esophagus which will result in esophagitis this is where the esophagus starts to swell and redden due to the acid reflux. This is very painful and it will also make eating very difficult and if the condition becomes very severe the esophagus can start to bleed. When this is not taken care of properly it may cause poor growing habits, complications in breathing, not being able to swallow properly and tooth decay.

However you should not worry as there are different types of treatment that are available out there for the children. You should also take note that some of the children will outgrow the acid reflux as they grow older usually by one year of age. The first thing that you can consider doing is to position your child properly when you are feeding them as well as to relief them of the pain. So for example, getting them in an upright position will help them digest the food much better as the gravity should be able to do its job of keeping things down where they should be. You should also burp your child after you have finished feeding them and try not to feed your child food that is high in fat. Usually acid reflux medication will help do the trick, however in severe cases the child may need stronger doses of the medication and if that does not help you may want to consult with your doctor about other options such as surgery.

Tags: Malaysian food, chinese food, malay food, indian food, malaysia kids, kanak-kanak, makanan bayi, resepi masakan kanak-kanak, resepi masakan bayi, penjagaan makanan, kids stomach ache, kesihatan bayi, menjaga kesihatan bayi