Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Treatment of Children

Pediatric physicians at Mayo Clinic work together to provide expert care for children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), using a multispecialty approach to isolate and diagnose the disease and to provide ongoing treatment.

GERD is most commonly found in infants as a result of an immature (not fully developed) digestive tract. Infants with this condition typically experience frequent vomiting, but are otherwise asymptomatic and healthy. More serious cases may affect the child's muscles, nerves and brain; however, most children grow out of this condition by age one. Older children may be affected by GERD, but the cause of their condition is similar to that of adults.

Diagnosis

Specialists in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology evaluate each child's condition, carefully documenting common GERD symptoms, such as frequent or recurrent vomiting, refusing to eat (or difficulty eating), colicky behavior, poor growth, and airway irritation. A variety of tests, including X-rays of the esophagus, esophageal pH monitoring (monitoring reflux frequency with a pH probe), and endoscopy, help confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment Options

As mentioned above, most babies outgrow infantile GERD. Even when GERD occurs in older children, the problem can usually be managed well with lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgery.

A variety of medications may be prescribed, depending on the severity of the disease and the patient's symptoms. Typically, such medications help lessen gas, neutralize stomach acid, and improve intestinal coordination.

Most GERD patients improve with medication; however, these remedies may offer only temporary or partial relief from GERD symptoms and can cause side effects when taken in large doses.

Surgery usually isn't needed to treat GERD in children. When it is necessary, the top part of the stomach is surgically wrapped around the esophagus, causing the esophagus to close whenever the stomach contracts, preventing reflux. Although surgery is usually effective at preventing reflux, it also includes risks and may not be an appropriate option for all patients.

Appointments

For appointments or more information, call the Central Appointment Office at (507) 538-3270 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.