Heartburn in Children and Infants
Heartburn in Children and Infants
Both of these types of medications reduce the amount of stomach acids produced, so there is less acid to back up into the esophagus.
You can also try these methods to help relieve frequent heartburn in children:
If the symptoms continue, medicine may be needed. In rare cases, a child may need surgery. The procedure is called fundoplication, and it involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter (the ring of muscle that opens and closes to allow food into the stomach) to create a band that prevents stomach acids from backing up.
In this article
- What Causes Heartburn in Infants and Children?
- What Are the Symptoms of Heartburn in Infants and Children?
- How Is Heartburn Diagnosed in Infants and Children?
- Heartburn Treatment for Children
Heartburn Treatment for Children continued...
Both of these types of medications reduce the amount of stomach acids produced, so there is less acid to back up into the esophagus.
You can also try these methods to help relieve frequent heartburn in children:
- Give your child smaller meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals.
- Don't let your child eat within two or three hours of bedtime.
- Avoid giving your child caffeine and spicy, fried, or acidic foods. Foods to avoid if your child has frequent heartburn include chocolate, caffeinated soda, peppermint, oranges and other citrus fruits, and tomatoes.
- Raise the head of your child's bed 6 to 8 inches by putting blocks of wood under the bedposts (extra pillows won't help).
If the symptoms continue, medicine may be needed. In rare cases, a child may need surgery. The procedure is called fundoplication, and it involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter (the ring of muscle that opens and closes to allow food into the stomach) to create a band that prevents stomach acids from backing up.