Almost all children have a little bit of reflux, often without being aware of it. If the refluxed material returns to the stomach quickly, it doesn't harm the esophagus, and there may be no symptoms. There are some children, however, who experience acid reflux more often, and the refluxed contents remain in the esophagus long enough to cause symptoms and possible damage to the esophageal lining. In other children, the stomach contents go up to the mouth and are swallowed again. Because children, and even infants, can suffer from acid reflux, knowing what to look for is important.
Acid Reflux in Babies
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. When parents burp their babies, sometimes "wet burps" occur, which means some formula is refluxed. This spitting up is normal, and gradually decreases over the first year of life. It generally requires no evaluation unless there is evidence of additional problems, such as esophagitis or failure to thrive. 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.
Acid Reflux in Children
Under normal conditions, food passes through the esophagus, and the muscle at the bottom of your esophagus closes off so food and liquids will remain in your stomach. This muscle is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the LES doesn't close properly, stomach contents and acid can back up into the esophagus.
This reflux often begins in infancy, but a small number of infants continue to have problems as older children. Evaluation by a physician is advised for any child or adolescent with persistent symptoms.
Acid Reflux in Teens
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.
