Health
Healthy Tummies
Understanding Acid Reflux and Food Sensitivities
By Jamie Lober
Mar/Apr 2009

Some parts of early child development are fun.  Others, like acid reflux, cause anxiety and worry for parents.  Before your child’s muscles are strong enough to separate the stomach and the esophagus, contents may leak between them causing acid reflux.  According to Dr. Victor Payton’s office, it may be recognized by “spitting up after feeding, constant stomach irritations or a burning sensation in the throat.  Your child may tell you of these symptoms or have nasal or chest congestion.”  As a result, your child may be unable to reach his healthy weight or refuse food.  Keep in mind that everyone does not experience the same symptoms. 

Acid reflux, sometimes referred to as gastro-esophageal reflux, may come and go, subside over time or last for years.  It depends on the person.  You may want to keep a log of which foods do and do not work well for your child.  “Most babies with reflux outgrow the problem during the first year of life, as their digestive systems mature,” tells Jennifer Walker, clinical dietician from St. Mary’s Health Care System.  Acid reflux and food sensitivities cannot be generalized: what upsets one child can be tolerable for another.  Try not to compare your child to your friend’s child, as they are going to be different.  Acid reflux can be a normal part of development, and your child can still be considered healthy.  Do not compare your child to yourself either if you are experiencing symptoms of acid reflux.  In adults, practicing a healthy lifestyle is important along with good posture and avoiding alcohol.  When you stand up straight, there is a direct path between the stomach and esophagus facilitating easy digestion.  Do not try to diagnose or medicate without consulting with your pediatrician. 

Sometimes by trying to help, you may aggravate the condition.  For example, parents may try having the child drink milk, thinking that it will soothe the stomach. This actually produces more stomach acid, prompting the painful reflux.  

Just because your child is experiencing symptoms of acid reflux, it does not mean that he needs medication.  In fact, medications like antacids (which neutralize stomach acid), proton pump inhibitors or prokinetic agents should be used as a last resort. 

It is important to be open with your pediatrician about acid reflux and food sensitivities in your child, as they are very common.  Know the facts and most of all, have your pediatrician confirm the diagnosis of acid reflux so that you can eliminate other, more severe health conditions.  Be familiar with any food allergies or intolerances your child may have.  For example, if he is lactose intolerant, you may want to avoid dairy products and see if he can handle yogurt.  While you are still figuring out which foods your child can have with ease, you may want to try plain foods or cereals without multiple ingredients.  This way you will have an easier time identifying which ingredients may upset your child’s stomach. 

Your pediatrician will be able to provide you with reassurance and tell you that, as Dr. Shawn Marie Martin explains, “As long as your child is meeting developmental milestones and gaining weight appropriately, this is normal and you should not be concerned.” 

Be sure that your child knows to speak up and tell an adult when he is not feeling well or is uncomfortable when you are not with him.  For example, if he has acid reflux, it would be important for the gym teacher to know not to test his limits.  Let him know that it is okay to not eat greasy foods with his friends during a sports game.  Instead, send your child out with healthy snacks to share with friends.  Continue to be supportive and practice a healthy lifestyle as a family.  

There are simple ways to control acid reflux. 

“Giving small, frequent meals can help improve symptoms of reflux. Children should have six small meals a day, rather than three large meals and avoid certain foods that may increase the symptoms of reflux, such as foods high in fat, spicy or acidic foods, acidic beverages such as colas and orange juice, caffeinated and decaffeinated beverages, spearmint, peppermint and chocolate,” says Jennifer Walker.  You should incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet but avoid acidic ones like grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, lemons and tomatoes.  Don’t eat before bedtime and make sure that there is a small hole in the top of your baby’s bottle so the milk does not come out too quickly for him.  It is important that he takes his time.  Dr. Shawn Marie Martin makes suggestions for preventative health behaviors.  “Decrease the amount of formula or breast milk they get but feed more often.  After feeding, hold your child upright instead of laying him down right away.  Thicken feeds with rice cereal,” she says.  Try to wait at least 45 minutes before putting your child down after eating or elevate his head by lying on top of two pillows instead of one.  You may want to take a short walk in the evening.

Jamie Lober is a writer who strives to make a healthier Georgia by initiating meaningful conversation about health behavior and risks.