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
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the acidified liquid
contents of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD are heartburn,
regurgitation, and nausea. Effective treatment is available for most patients with GERD.
Esophagitis is caused by an infection or irritation of the esophagus. Infections that cause esophagitis include candida yeast infection of the esophagus as well as herpes.
Asthma, the main cause of chronic illness in children, has signs and symptoms in children that include frequent coughing spells, low energy while playing, complaints of chest "hurting," wheezing while breathing, shortness of breath, and feelings of tiredness. Treatment will involve a doctor creating an asthma action plan which will describe the use of asthma medications and when to seek emergency care for the child.
Digestion is the complex process of turning food you eat into the energy you need to survive. The digestive process also involves creating waste to be eliminated, and is made of a series of muscles that coordinate the movement of food.
The cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is unknown. The risk of SIDS peaks in infants 2-4 months of age. SIDS is more common among male infants, particularly African American and Native American infants, during the winter months. Putting the baby to sleep on his/her back, avoiding fluffy, loose bedding, using a firm mattress, and avoiding co-sleeping may help to prevent SIDS.
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