Is it normal to have acid reflux

From babies to teenagers, children of all ages can experience GERD. About one-fourth of all children and teenagers experience symptoms of GERD. The condition is especially common in infants because their stomachs are much smaller and less able to tolerate being full. As a result, stomach contents can easily come back up. About 70 to 85 percent of infants have regurgitation the first two months of life.

Typically, 95 percent will outgrow the symptoms by the time they reach 1 year of age. Children with developmental and neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, may experience reflux and GERD for longer time periods. Untreated symptoms can cause permanent esophagus damage. Pregnant women usually experience GERD symptoms around the first trimester. It then worsens in the last trimester. The good news is that when your baby is born, your symptoms usually go away.

Pregnancy can increase levels of the hormone progesterone, which can cause the muscles of the lower esophagus to relax. This makes it more likely that acid will reflux. Symptoms include pain that gets worse after a meal and acid regurgitation. Doctors usually avoid prescribing too many medications while a woman is pregnant because the medicine can be passed along to the fetus.

Instead, doctors usually recommend making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding foods known to cause acid reflux and sleeping with the head slightly elevated. Taking antacids that contain magnesium, aluminum, and calcium may be permitted. In addition to antacids, common heartburn medications that are typically considered safe in pregnancy include famotidine Pepcid.

For more severe cases, other medications known as proton pump inhibitors like lansoprazole Prevacid can often be used. Always check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications during pregnancy. The tube has sensors that can detect if acid is refluxing past the esophagus. Upper endoscopy: This test involves using a special tube with a camera on its end. The upper endoscopy test can help a doctor identify any signs of damage, tumors, inflammation, or ulcers in these areas.

Your doctor will usually take a tissue sample known as a biopsy. Acid from the stomach can damage the lining of the esophagus if GERD is left untreated. This can cause:. The acid can also cause a change in the cells in the esophagus over time. About 10 to 15 percent of people with GERD will develop this condition. Eating certain foods are known to increase the amount of acid in the stomach, which can lead to symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.

Avoiding these foods may help to reduce symptoms without taking medications. Examples include:. Also, if you are overweight, taking steps to reduce your weight can help. This includes healthy eating and exercising whenever possible. If you are not exercising regularly, a good goal is to strive for 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.

For babies with GERD, a doctor might recommend diet changes, such as adding a small amount of rice cereal to breast milk or formula to thicken it to make reflux less likely. Holding a baby upright during feeding, and at least 30 minutes after, may also reduce symptoms.

Avoiding overfeeding can help as well. In older children, a doctor may recommend an elimination diet of foods known to aggravate acid reflux these foods tend to be the same for children and adults. It is important to see your doctor when changes are not helping or when symptoms occur twice a week or more.

Antacids : First-line treatments for acid reflux are usually antacids. The esophagus is a tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.

It is separated from the stomach by a small muscle the esophageal sphincter. This muscle opens and lets food and liquid enter the stomach and closes to prevent the food and liquid from leaking back into the esophagus. No one knows for sure why people get GERD.

Doctors do know that some things can make GERD worse, including obesity , drinking alcohol , and pregnancy. Some foods and medicines can make GERD symptoms worse.

In many people, these foods bring on symptoms:. Tell your parents and visit your doctor if you've had heartburn that doesn't seem to go away or any other symptoms of GERD for a while. The doctor will do an exam and ask about your symptoms. If the doctor suspects GERD, you might go see a pediatric gastroenterologist. This is a doctor who treats kids and teens who have problems of the gastrointestinal system.

Treatment for GERD depends on how severe symptoms are. For some people, treatment may just include lifestyle changes, such as changing what they eat or drink. Others will need to take medicines. In very rare cases, when GERD is particularly severe, a doctor will recommend surgery.

It also can help to not lie down for 3 hours after a meal and to not eat 2 to 3 hours before going to bed. Doctors sometimes also recommend raising the head of the bed about 6 to 8 inches. Before you start a major bedroom makeover, though, talk to your doctor and your parents about the best sleeping position for you. For some teens, doctors advise combining medicines to control different symptoms. For example, people who get heartburn after eating can try taking both antacids and H 2 blockers.

The antacid goes to work first to neutralize the acid in the stomach, while the H 2 blocker acts on acid production. By the time the antacid stops working, the H 2 blocker will have stopped acid production. Surgery is rarely needed in healthy teens. A GP may prescribe a medicine called a proton pump inhibitor PPI that reduces how much acid your stomach makes. PPIs include:. You'll usually need to take this type of medicine for 4 or 8 weeks, depending on how serious your acid reflux is.

Go back to the GP if your symptoms return after stopping your medicine. You may need a long-term prescription. If medicines do not help or your symptoms are severe, a GP may refer you to a specialist for:. Page last reviewed: 09 September Next review due: 09 September Heartburn and acid reflux.