Helping Prevent Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Children
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children is a condition where the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like chronic coughing, stridor (a high-pitched breathing sound), repeat pneumonia (lung infections that happen again and again), and chronic bronchitis (long-term inflammation of the airways causing coughing and breathing problems). It can also lead to complications such as growth problems and delays in brain and developmental progress.
To reduce the risk of getting GERD in children, here are some actions a person can take:
- Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if necessary.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that puts pressure on the abdomen.
- Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime to allow for proper digestion.
- Have several small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals.
- Keep the body upright after eating to help prevent acid reflux.
- Quit smoking as smoking can worsen GERD symptoms.
- Raise the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches to keep the upper body elevated while sleeping.
- Avoid trigger foods that can worsen symptoms. Common trigger foods include chocolate, coffee, peppermint, greasy/fatty/spicy foods, tomatoes, and alcohol.
It's important to note that these actions can help reduce or prevent GERD symptoms, but it's always best to consult with a doctor for personalized advice. They may also prescribe medications or recommend surgery for difficult-to-treat cases of GERD in children. Remember, your doctor is the best resource for managing and treating GERD in children.