Monday 6 June 2011

Heartburn in Children

The feeling of a burning sensation in an around the chest area or behind the breastbone/
epigastrium is called Heartburn. Such a sensation is also commonly known as pyrosis
or acid indigestion. The pain of Heartburn rises from the chest and spreads around neck,
throat and even to the jaws. Heartburn in Children is also a very common phenomenon
today. But Heartburn is much more common in adults.

Heartburn in Children is an indication to serious diseases like gastroesophageal reflux
disease, or GERD. Heartburn should not be neglected; a doctor’s visit is a must to prevent
serious illness. As prevention is better than cure, Heartburn in Children should be
prevented with a strict diet, firstly. Things to be avoided are:
  • All kinds of fatty and fried food
  • Cheese, milk, chocolate
  • All dairy products
  • Citrus Fruits and drinks

While the acid in the stomach backs up to the esophagus, heartburn is caused. Few
symptoms of Heartburn in Children are chest pain, coughing, fussiness, poor eating,
sore throat, vomiting.

To avoid Heartburn in Children small meals should be encouraged rather than few large
meals. Like, children should be given five to six small meals a day. Instruct your child to
have early dinner. Food which leads to Heartburn in Children should be avoided. Keep a
track of your child’s weight too. Overweight children might have heartburn.

There are few common medicines available in the market which can cure Heartburn in
Children. Such medicines are Pepto-Bismol and Tums. Doctors generally prescribe a proton
pump inhibitor medicine such as Protonix or Previcid for a child in case of Heartburn. This
helps to produce less acid and helps to reduce Heartburn in Children.

Make sure that all kinds of junk food and drinks containing carbon-di-oxide (bubbles) should
be completely avoided to stop Heartburn in Children. Overeating is also a reason for such
attacks. By swallowing a soda pop, indigestion in children may be avoided. Hence, it is
advisable that you contact your pediatrician immediately if your child has been affected with
Heartburn.

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