Also known as GERD, acid reflux is common in newborn babies but may remain as the child grows older. The condition occurs when stomach acid and food back up from the stomach into the esophagus or throat.
What Does Acid Reflux Feel Like?
If your child has acid reflux, their symptoms may include:
- Burning pain that radiates from the stomach to the abdomen and chest
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Regurgitation
- Indigestion
- Difficulty swallowing
What Causes Acid Reflux?
Typically, after eating, a valve on your child’s esophagus closes. This prevents acid produced by the digestive tract from backing up into the esophagus. When acid reflux occurs, the valve fails to seal properly, and the stomach contents flow into the throat and esophagus.
What Foods Trigger Acid Reflux?
The following foods might exacerbate your child’s acid reflux symptoms:
- Meat
- Carbonated drinks
- Chocolate
- Mint
- Caffeine
- Items that are high in acidity, oil, fat or salt
Acid Reflux and Voice Problems
Chronic acid reflux can cause certain voice problems; however more commonly acid reflux will worsen voice problems that are already present, such as: vocal nodules, vocal papillomas, laryngomalacia, vocal cord dysfunction, etc. This is why controlling GERD is important in treating various voice problems.
Our Team Can Help Your Child with Acid Reflux
ENT for Children may perform a flexible laryngoscopy to look for signs of reflux in the tissue of the throat and voice box. We may also recommend your child see a pediatric GI specialist for further workup or treatment.
Call ENT for Children for more information or to schedule an appointment.