What is acid reflux in children?

It is a fairly common pathology in which food or liquids return through the oral cavity, mainly because the lower esophageal sphincter has not yet matured, causing food to return to the esophagus. Typically, the esophageal sphincter matures when the child is 12 or 14 months old.

Acid reflux in children usually disappears on its own over time, but certain factors can increase the chance that it will continue, such as:

• Lung conditions.
• Previous esophageal surgery.
• Slow growth and development.
• Gastroesophageal reflux.
• Eosinophilic esophagitis.
• Pyloric stenosis.
• Food allergies.
• Nervous system disorders.
• Premature birth.
• Sandifer syndrome.

• Choking.
• Stomachache.
• Burping.
• Lack of appetite.
• Hiccup.
• Nausea.
• Constant coughing.
• Vomit.
• Regurgitation.
• Fatigue.

In addition to the physical examination performed by the pediatrician, they may require some tests, such as:

• Blood tests.
• Urine analysis.
• Esophageal pH test.
• Ultrasound.
• Endoscopy.
• X-rays.

The treatment consists of making changes to your baby’s diet, and sometimes, the intake of certain antacid medications for a few weeks or months.

If your child is not gaining enough weight or has trouble breathing due to reflux, surgery may be required to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus.

At the Pediatric Center, we provide specialized care to children from birth until they become adults, through our pediatric care, oncology, neurology, and cardiology services at the level of the best medical centers in the world.

Pediatrics Center
Internal medicine
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory
Cancer Center