| What Is Acid Reflux Disease? | | | | as well as the air passages into the lungs |
| Acid Reflux Disease, also known as | | | | * Chest Pain |
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is a very | | | | What Are The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux In Children? |
| common chronic problem where gastric acids reflux | | | | Symptoms of Reflux in newborns and young infants |
| into the esophagus. This reflux is due to the weakening | | | | are more obvious than those in older infants and |
| of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). As a result, | | | | children because they are more likely to spit up or |
| the patient suffers from painful and uncomfortable | | | | vomit the acid coming up. In older infants and children, |
| symptoms that can lead to serious conditions such as | | | | the symptoms are more subtle. They suffer the same |
| respiratory infections, ulcers, and even esophageal | | | | symptoms as adults; however, they have other |
| cancer. Even though there are no known causes for | | | | symptoms that include: |
| acid reflux, it is found that several contributing factors | | | | * Loss of appetite |
| may weaken or relax the lower esophageal sphincter. | | | | * Weight loss |
| Among those are: | | | | * Apnea |
| * Obesity | | | | * Posturing episodes that are often mistaken for |
| * The use of alcohol or cigarettes | | | | seizures |
| * Medications such as antihistamines, nitrates, Tedral, | | | | * A chronic cough or recurrent pneumonia |
| Hydrophed, Marax, Bronchial or Quibron | | | | * Recurrent abdominal pain |
| * Eating large meals or soon before bedtime | | | | * Failure to thrive |
| * Other medical conditions such as pregnancy, rapid | | | | * Infant arching his or her back while feeding |
| weight gain, Hiatal hernia or diabetes | | | | * Irritability |
| * A diet consisting of fried or fatty foods, garlic and | | | | Many people can relieve their reflux symptoms with |
| onions and chocolate, citrus foods, tomatoes, spicy | | | | simple lifestyle changes and habit changes while other |
| foods and mint flavorings as well as beverages | | | | people need to see their physician. It is advised that |
| containing caffeine. | | | | you see your doctor if you experience the symptoms |
| How Do I Know That I Have Acid Reflux Disease? | | | | of acid reflux frequently or if the symptoms interfere |
| The most common symptom of Acid Reflux Disease | | | | with work and other activities or disrupt your sleep. If |
| is persistent heartburn. Heartburn is a burning sensation | | | | you are suffering from other symptoms such as |
| that you might experience that radiates from the | | | | difficulty swallowing liquids or solids, vomiting blood, |
| stomach to the chest and throat. This symptom is | | | | vomiting followed by severe chest pain, severe chest |
| experienced in connection with lying down on your | | | | pain or pressure, especially if it radiates to your arm, |
| back or on your right side, lifting, after a large meal and | | | | neck, or back or if your stools are dark and tarry, go |
| bending over. Other symptoms of reflux include: | | | | to your nearest emergency room at your local hospital |
| * Regurgitation of acid into the throat while bending | | | | immediately. If you are using a self care measure, |
| over or sleeping | | | | make sure your physician is aware of it so they can |
| * Difficulty swallowing | | | | monitor how you use them and how well these |
| * Asthma, hoarseness and dental erosion due to the | | | | measures work. |
| acidic juices making their way to the throat and mouth | | | | |