Consult Dr. Ayodele Osowo, Dr. Olufemi Abiodun, or Dr. Sunbal Zafar of Gastroenterology Practice Associates to discover if your child has GERD in Southlake or Arlington, TX.

What Is GERD in Children?

Any disease that can compromise your child’s health must always be taken seriously. That is certainly the case with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). New parents must be especially wary of GERD because it’s fairly common in babies who have yet to celebrate their second birthday.

For those unfamiliar with the term, gastroesophageal reflux refers to food and acid going up from the stomach and back into the esophagus. Instances of gastroesophageal reflux do occur from time to time, but they happen so quickly that we barely notice them. Unfortunately, there are also times when gastroesophageal reflux can cause discomfort somewhere along the chest and throat.

GERD is what happens gastroesophageal reflux becomes a chronic condition. Now that it’s happening more often, gastroesophageal reflux may cause frequent vomiting, burping, coughing, choking, stomach pain, and increased fussiness during mealtimes. The long-term manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux can also cause damage to the esophagus.

As you can imagine, those symptoms can be difficult for any child.

The improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter is the main cause of GERD. If the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close properly, it may allow stomach acids back into the esophagus. Babies are susceptible to GERD because their lower esophageal sphincters are weak.

Work with Dr. Osowo, Dr. Abiodun, or Dr. Zafar of Gastroenterology Practice Associates to find out if your child has GERD in Southlake or Arlington, TX.

How Is GERD in Children Treated?

Enlisting the aid of a medical professional is an absolute must if your child has GERD. After confirming that your child has GERD, their doctor can suggest lifestyle changes. They may recommend smaller meals and more burping sessions during meals. If your child has consistently experienced gastroesophageal reflux while eating certain foods, the doctor may recommend avoiding them until their condition improves.

Not all cases of GERD in children improve with just lifestyle changes. If that’s the case for your child, the doctor may recommend medications like H2-blockers or proton pump inhibitors. While supplements are not necessarily prescribed to treat GERD, they can help mitigate the symptoms of that condition.

Tube feeding is another treatment option for GERD. Different forms of tube feeding are available for children, so talk at length with your child’s doctor before choosing the right option.

Surgery remains an option if the other treatments don't work.

Call 817-468-7200 and speak to Dr. Osowo, Dr. Abiodun, or Dr. Zafar of Gastroenterology Practice Associates to begin treating your child’s GERD in Southlake or Arlington, TX.