I am writing this post based on a little girl I know that is almost 2, suffering relentlessly from a persistent cough and vomits lots! Allergy tests are being carried out to determine what is the cause, as you can never just assume.. though if it results to be what is most common in children with these symptoms, acid refulx (Gastroesophageal reflux GERD) is easily treatable through dietary monitoring and lifestyle changes that are easy to apply and essential for treating this awful disorder.
Here is a breakdown of what it is, how it can be prevented and treated and what foods should NOT be consumed AT ALL! (It’s easier to eliminate the foods that are provocative as otherwise, everything else deems appropriate) Advised to write a food journal after each meal when dealing with this with kids so that you can keep a check on what seems to be the target foods, thus eliminating as you go)…(below are the most common though there have also been reports of problems with oatmeal, grains, marmite, banana’s, mayo and creamy sauces..
Foods to Avoid
Some foods are more likely to trigger acid production in your child or breast-feeding baby, including citrus fruits, black pepper, and tomato-based sauces. Caffeine and foods with high fat content trigger the production of stomach acids. Do not allow your child to drink beverages with caffeine such as energy drinks and chocolate milk, and if you are breast feeding, avoid green tea and coffee.
Some foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter, such as fatty, fried or greasy foods including high-fat meats, creamy sauces, butter, margarine, mayonnaise and chocolate. Additionally, peppermint and fruit juices relax the sphincter muscle.
Foods That Help
Low-fat foods reduce the amount of acid produced. Switch to low-fat milk and choose low- or non-fat versions of other dairy products such as yogurt. Give your child fish, chicken and turkey instead of red meat, which contains more fat.
Encourage your child to drink lots of water over the course of the day. Water dilutes the acid and lowers the stomach’s pH, according to Healing Daily.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / HeartburnWhat is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that is caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus. |
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Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus, and reflux means to flow back or return. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the return of acidic stomach juices, or food and fluids, back up into the esophagus.GERD is very common in infants, though it can occur at any age. It is the most common cause of vomiting during infancy. | ||
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What causes GERD? | ||
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GERD is often the result of conditions that affect the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES, a muscle located at the bottom of the esophagus, opens to let food in and closes to keep food in the stomach. When this muscle relaxes too often or for too long, acid refluxes back into the esophagus, causing vomiting or heartburn.Everyone has gastroesophageal reflux from time to time. If you have ever burped and had an acid taste in your mouth, you have had reflux. The lower esophageal sphincter occasionally relaxes at inopportune times, and usually, all your child will experience is a bad taste in the mouth, or a mild, momentary feeling of heartburn.Infants are more likely to have the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relax when it should remain shut. As food or milk is digesting, the LES opens and allows the stomach contents to go back up the esophagus. Sometimes, the stomach contents go all the way up the esophagus and the infant or child vomits. Other times, the stomach contents only go part of the way up the esophagus, causing heartburn, breathing problems, or, possibly, no problems at all.
Some foods seem to affect the muscle tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing it to stay open longer than normal. These include, but are not limited to, the following: |
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Other foods increase acid production in the stomach, including: | ||
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Why is gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) a concern? | ||
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Some infants and children who have gastroesophageal reflux may not vomit, but may still have stomach contents move up the esophagus and spill over into the windpipe. This can cause asthma, pneumonia and possibly even SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).Infants and children with GERD who vomit frequently may not gain weight and grow normally. Inflammation (esophagitis) or ulcers (sores) can form in the esophagus due to contact with stomach acid. These can be painful and also may bleed, leading to anemia (too few red blood cells in the bloodstream). Esophageal narrowing (stricture) and Barrett’s esophagus (abnormal cells in the esophageal lining) are long-term complications from inflammation. | ||
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What are the symptoms of GERD? | ||
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Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD. Heartburn is described as a burning chest pain that begins behind the breastbone and moves upward to the neck and throat. It can last as long as two hours and is often worse after eating. Lying down or bending over can also result in heartburn. The following are other common symptoms of GERD. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: | ||
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The symptoms of GERD may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis. | ||
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How is GERD diagnosed? | ||
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Your child’s physician will perform a physical examination and obtain a medical history. Diagnostic procedures that may be done to help evaluate GERD include: | ||
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Treatment for GERD: | ||
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Specific treatment will be determined by your child’s physician based on the following: | ||
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In many cases, GERD can be relieved through diet and lifestyle changes, under the direction of your child’s physician. Some ways to better manage GERD symptoms include the following: | ||
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Treatment may include: | ||
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What is the long-term outlook for a child with GERD? |
Reblogged this on Inspiredweightloss.
Great article. You often publish a entertaining post. Thanks!