Acid reflux isn’t just an adult problem. About 10% of children will experience symptoms from chronic acid reflux disease, also called GERD, every week. Children with long-term acid reflux may report a sore throat.
How Can Acid Reflux Affect a Child’s Throat?
Acid reflux usually affects the esophagus, but it can occasionally rise to the throat, a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
When stomach acid reaches the throat, it can irritate the sensitive tissues. This irritation may lead to symptoms such as a chronic cough, sore throat, throat clearing or a hoarse voice.
Diagnosing GERD or LPR
Our specialists will go over your child’s medical history to determine whether they have acid reflux. If the medical history isn’t enough for a diagnosis, there are a few tests we can recommend, including:
- Esophagram: takes X-rays of your esophagus while swallowing liquid
- Upper endoscopy: a thin tube with a light and a camera is guided into the esophagus
- Esophageal pH test: a small receiver measures the amount of stomach acid in the esophagus
- Esophageal manometry: pressure sensors go through the nose into the stomach to measure muscle movement in the esophagus
What Can Parents Do to Manage Acid Reflux?
If your child has acid reflux, making a few changes to their daily routine may help reduce symptoms. Depending on your child’s age and individual needs, their ENT specialist may recommend that your child:
- Eat smaller meals. Large meals can put additional pressure on the stomach and make reflux more likely.
- Avoid lying down right after eating. Encourage your child to remain upright for a while after meals.
- Identify trigger foods. Some children may notice that their symptoms get worse after eating acidic, spicy or fatty foods.
In addition to lifestyle adjustments, we may recommend medication. Three common medications include H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which lower the amount of acid the stomach makes, and antacids, which provide short-term relief from acid reflux symptoms. Severe cases of GERD or LPR may require surgery to help keep the lower esophageal sphincter, which stops stomach acid from rising, from opening when it shouldn’t.
If your child is experiencing ongoing acid reflux or throat irritation, contact your ENT for Children to schedule an evaluation.
Sources
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Definition & facts for GER & GERD in children. National Institutes of Health. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-children/definition-facts