Acid Reflux in Children - Basic Info

While chronic heartburn and GERD are often considered to be adult disorders, it is becoming more common among children and teens. Because of the increasing consumption of fast food and ever-expanding waistlines among teens, GERD is becoming an increasing problem in teenagers.

GER often begins in infancy, but only a small number of infants continue to have GER as older children. Evaluation by a physician is advised for any child or adolescent with persistent symptoms of GER.

Spitting up, or gastroesophageal reflux, is common in infants. This type of gastric reflux occurs during the first few months of age in more than half of all infants. For a small number of babies, however, symptoms of reflux are severe or don't decrease as the infant grows older, and medical evaluation is needed.

While chronic heartburn and GERD are often considered to be adult disorders, it is becoming more common among children and teens. Because of the increasing consumption of fast food and ever-expanding waistlines among teens, GERD is becoming an increasing problem in teenagers.

Almost all children have a little bit of reflux, without being aware of it. For some children and adolescents, however, this reflux may be chronic. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) often begins in infancy and then subsides, but for a small number of infants, GER symptoms continue as they grow older.

"Sprtting up" is common in infants. This type of gastric reflux occurs during the first three months of age in more than half of all infants. Many babies who spit up don't require treatment. However, for a small number of babies, symptoms of reflux are severe.