Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Treatment of Children

Diagnosis

Evaluating GERD in young people can be difficult. Acid reflux can cause a wide range of symptoms in children including recurrent vomiting, difficulty eating, ear problems, wheezing and asthma. In infants, GERD can be mistaken for colic. Pediatric digestive disease specialists (gastroenterologists) at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota are expert at distinguishing GERD from other illnesses and from normal reflux that occurs in the first year of life.

GERD in children and teens is often diagnosed based on symptoms, but sometimes your child may need specialized tests. The most common is a pH probe (see diagnosis section). Occasionally, an endoscopy exam may be recommended.

Treatment

Most healthy babies outgrow infant reflux by their first or second birthday. Persistent reflux in both infants and children often can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals, remaining upright after eating and sleeping with the head of the crib or bed elevated.

When severe reflux affects your child's ability to eat, sleep, or develop normally, Mayo Clinic doctors may suggest trying a medication to decrease stomach acid. Surgery is rarely recommended for young patients with GERD. If surgical intervention is needed, pediatric surgeons at Mayo Clinic use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.

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 6 p.m. Friday or complete an online appointment request form.