Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) in Children

Heartburn in Children: GERD vs. Acid Reflux?

It is normal for babies, children and teenagers to occasionally get acid reflux after eating. This burning sensation in the chest is also known as heartburn and is generally harmless.

When acid reflux happens a lot, your child may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. GERD is not only uncomfortable. If left untreated, GERD can lead to:

Breathing problems
Inflammation of the esophagus
Failure to thrive
Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precancerous condition

At the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, our experienced pediatric gastroenterologists are experts at diagnosing and treating GERD in babies, children and teenagers.

Schedule a Pediatric GI Appointment

GERD: Common Cause and Symptoms

GERD is often caused by a weak sphincter muscle in the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the stomach to the mouth. As a result, food and stomach acids can flow up the esophagus to the throat, instead of moving down to the stomach.

In addition to frequent heartburn, children with GERD may have other chronic symptoms, including:

Swallowing problems
Bad breath
Nausea
Breathing problems
Chronic cough

Signs of GERD in Babies and Toddlers

How do I know if my baby or toddler has GERD?

GERD symptoms may be different in very young children and infants. Younger children with GERD may not experience heartburn. If they do, they may have trouble describing the feeling. Instead they might complain of stomach or chest pain or become unusually irritable after eating. Other symptoms include sour breath, refusing to eat and spitting up food or vomiting.

GERD Treatment in Children and Teens

Lifestyle and diet changes, along with prescription medications, can help treat GERD in many children and teenagers.

Foods to Avoid

GERD Medications

GERD prescription medications include histamine-2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. These drugs can be very effective in treating GERD that does not respond to diet changes. Our pediatric specialists can talk with you about any possible side effects your child may experience with these drugs. Most children eventually stop taking the medications after their esophagus heals and GERD symptoms diminish.

Endoscopy

If medication and lifestyle changes fail to improve a child’s symptoms, our pediatric gastroenterologists may recommend endoscopy. This involves threading a thin tube (endoscope) down the throat and into the esophagus, stomach, and first portion of small intestine. Children are sedated during the procedure.

A tiny light and camera on the endoscope allow our physicians to see the esophagus up close and collect tissue to determine what is causing or contributing to your child’s symptoms. The test may also reveal other esophageal conditions, such as eosinophilic esophagitis, that produce GERD-like symptoms.

Transitioning Care for Teens with GERD

Meet our Pediatric Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists

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