GERD in Infants and Children (cont.)
How Is GERD in Infants and Children Diagnosed?
Usually, parents provide enough details for the doctor to make a diagnosis. Sometimes, however, further tests are recommended. They include:
- Barium swallow or upper GI series. This is a special
X-ray test that uses barium to highlight the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine. This test may identify certain problems such as any obstructions or narrowing in these areas.
- pH probe. This is currently considered the best test to diagnose reflux, but it does not always manage to detect the disease. In this test, a thin tube with a probe at the tip is placed through the nose into the esophagus. The tip, usually positioned at the lower part of the esophagus, measures levels of stomach acids. The frequency of reflux is monitored over a prolonged period of time, usually 24 hours.
- Upper GI endoscopy. During this test the doctor uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible lighted tube) to look directly inside the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine. Pinch biopsies of the esophagus obtained at the time of endoscopy may determine the presence of reflux.
- Gastric emptying study. During this test, the child drinks milk or eats food mixed with a safe radioactive chemical. This chemical is followed through the gastrointestinal tract using a special camera.
What Are the Treatments for Acid Reflux in Infants and Children?
The first line of treatment is to make changes to the child's lifestyle.
For infants:
- Elevate the head of the baby's crib or bassinet
- Hold the baby upright for 30 minutes after a feeding
- Thicken bottle feedings with cereal (do not do this without a doctor's supervision)
- Change feeding schedules (discuss with the child's doctor first)
- Try solid food (discuss with the child's doctor first)
For older children:
- Elevate the head of the child's bed
- Keep the child upright for at least two hours after eating
- Serve several small meals throughout the day, rather than two or three large meals
- Limit foods and beverages that seem to worsen your child's reflux; these foods typically include acid-containing foods such as caffeinated beverages, citrus products, tomato products, chocolate and licorice
- Encourage your child to get regular exercise
- Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or aspirin-containing medications
If the reflux is severe or doesn't get better after making these changes, your doctor may recommend medicines to treat the reflux.
Next: Medications for GERD »
- pantoprazole, Protonix - Explains the medication pantoprazole (Protonix), a drug used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), like other PPI's it also is used for treating ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, and the Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
- Endoscopy (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD) - Learn about the endoscopy procedure which examines the esophagus, stomach and duodenum to detect gastrointestinal and digestive disorders on MedicineNet.com
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, Heartburn) - Learn about gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, acid reflux, heartburn) symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and nausea. Causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention information is also included.
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