Acid Reflux Burping In Children Is Normal
Acid refluxing burping is a common symptom for gastroesophageal reflux disease, but it can be prevented with treatment. Many people, including children, suffer from chronic or occasional heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux. Simple changes in the way you eat and the foods you choose can have big effects on your health. Burping from acid reflux is often found in children who experience this condition. They may also experience vomiting, coughing, respiratory problems, refusing to eat, and a failure to gain weight. The condition can be just as uncomfortable for children as it is for adults.
Refluxing, or having gastric acids splash into the esophagus, happens for almost everyone from time to time. Almost all children occasionally spit up or have a wet burp, particularly as babies. If you baby doesn't seem particularly bothered by the reflux, you don't need to worry about this happening. Most babies will stop spitting up once they get to be around 6 months old or so. Some children will continue to spit up or have acid reflux burps after this time and they need to be watched more carefully. If there are no serious complications, the condition is called GER or gastroesophageal reflux. Some children who have this may need home care or medical treatment to help them feel better when the condition occurs. Many children will stop experiencing the problem within a few months. When the condition causes more serious complications such as esophagitis, asthma, or low weight gain, doctors call it gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Children who experience this will often need special care at home and medical treatment to help improve their quality of life. If you suspect that you child may be having a problem with acid reflux, consult with a medical professional for more information so that you can monitor the condition. There are some things that you can do at home to help as well. For babies, breast milk is best, but the mother may need to avoid spicy, high acid foods and caffeinated drinks. Formula may need to be thickened slightly with cereal to help prevent acid reflux. You should also feed the baby small amounts frequently, burp frequently, and keep the baby upright after they eat. For toddlers and older children, you may need to help them avoid foods that can trigger excess acids or reflux. Try to limit carbonated beverages, anything with caffeine in it, high fat foods, and high acid foods like citrus and tomatoes. You should also encourage the child to sit or stand upright quietly for at least 30 minutes so that they'll digest their food more easily. Acid reflux burping happens more frequently for babies, but should be watched in babies and children over six months of age. The problem may resolve itself over time with self care or you may need to discuss medication options with your doctor. Always try to use home care to make children more comfortable when they are experiencing the problem. |