Some common symptoms of uncomplicated reflux can include:
- constant or sudden crying or colic like symptoms
- irritability and pain
- poor sleep habits typically with frequent waking
- arching their necks and back during or after eating
- spitting-up or vomiting
- wet burp or frequent hiccups
- frequent ear infections or sinus congestion
Your child does not need to exhibit all of these symptoms, in fact,
only having one of the above could mean they have reflux. It does not;
however, mean they need treatment. If your child is showing one or more
of the above symptoms but is otherwise happy and healthy then some simple
lifestyle modifications will likely make life better until they outgrow
it.
Symptoms indicative of Reflux Disease or GERD:
- refusing food or accepting only a few bites despite being hungry or
the exact opposite requiring constant small meals or liquid
- food/oral aversions
- anemia
- excessive drooling
- running nose, sinus infections
- swallowing problems, gagging, choking
- chronic hoarse voice
- frequent red, sore throat without infection present
- apnea
- chronic ear infections
- respiratory problems—pneumonia, bronchitis, wheezing, asthma,
night-time cough, aspiration
- gagging themselves with their fingers or fist (sign of esophagitis)
- poor weight gain, weight loss, failure to thrive
- erosion of dental enamel
- neck arching (Sandifer's Syndrome)
- bad breath
As with reflux, children with GERD will not necessarily exhibit all
these symptoms, for example children with silent reflux will not throw up.
Another child suffering from asthma or chronic ear infections may actually
have undiagnosed reflux that requires treatment. One or more of the
symptoms listed could mean your child has reflux or GERD. If you believe your child shows any of these signs, educate yourself on
the treatment methods and then contact your doctor to discuss the best way
to treat your child. |
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Symptoms of
Reflux in the Older Child ( 2- 11)
Although by
this time your child is probably able to talk it is actually very
hard for them to pinpoint or communicate to you exactly what is sore
or hurting. It is theorized that it isn’t until the child is 6 years
old that they will know where pain is and be able to verbalize it
properly.
Symptoms for
2-5 year olds
-
Queasiness
- Throwing up
- A
hoarse or scratchy voice
-
Complaining of tummy aches
-
Burping, regurgitation and trouble swallowing
-
Choking
- Weight
loss or food refusal
-
Coughing
- Chest
Pain
Symptoms for
6-11
-
Queasiness
-
Throwing up
- A
hoarse or scratchy voice
-
Stomach aches
-
Burping, regurgitation, and trouble swallowing
- Weight
loss
-
Wheezing
- Chest
pain
At this age
the children are a lot better at verbalizing their pain, look at
them when the symptoms are present and see if anything is given away
by gesture or reaction. You can also ask them to draw where they are
hurt, as it is sometimes easier for a child of this age to draw it
than to vocalize it.
Like reflux at any age, symptoms can vary. If your child has any of the above
symptoms or you are worried in general, you can try the
14 Steps To Reducing Your Infants Reflux.
If things do
not improve, please contact your health provider to see if they
agree with the diagnosis and if medical treatment needs to be given.
Reviewed By Dave Olson, MD
Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics
Graduate University of Michigan School of Medicine
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