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GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease - GERD

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Infant GERD

GERD stands for GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease.

Gastroesophageal Reflux:
The backflow of acid & food particles that seep out of the stomach and up into the * esophagus, commonly known as heartburn, a painful, burning feeling in the chest, most commonly occurring after a meal. Heartburn on a regular basis can lead to damage & scarring in the esophagus. Frequent heartburn, occurring several times a week to several times a day, may be associated with a more severe condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Heartburn is so common, it often is not associated with a serious disease like GERD.

Studies show that GERD is common and may be overlooked in infants and children. It can cause repeated vomiting, coughing, and other respiratory problems. Children's immature digestive systems are usually to blame, and most infants grow out of GERD by the time they are 1 year old. Still, you should talk to your child's doctor if the problem occurs regularly and causes discomfort. Your doctor may recommend simple strategies for avoiding reflux, like burping the infant several times during feeding or keeping the infant in an upright position for 30 minutes after feeding. If your child is older, the doctor may recommend avoiding:

  • Sodas that contain caffeine
  • Chocolate and peppermint
  • Spicy foods like pizza
  • Acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes
  • Fried and fatty foods
  • Avoiding food 2 to 3 hours before bed may also help

The doctor may recommend that the child sleep with head raised. If these changes do not work, the doctor may prescribe medicine for your child. In rare cases, a child may need surgery. Until recently, surgery was the primary treatment for children with severe complications from GERD, because drug therapies previously used had severe side effects, were ineffective, or had not been designed for children. With the proton pump inhibitor drugs available today, some children may be able to avoid gerd surgery.

Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPIs) Drugs

  • Nexium (brand name) Esomeprazole (chemical name) Pronunciation - ess-oh-MEP-ra-zole
  • Prilosec (brand name) Omeprazole (chemical name) Pronunciation - o-MEP-ra-zole
    (Non prescription Prilosec OTC 20mg delayed release tablets sold over counter for frequent heartburn only)
  • Prevacid (brand name) Lansoprazole (chemical name) Pronunciation - lan-SOE-pra-zole
  • Protonix (brand name) Pantoprazole (chemical name) Pronunciation - pan-toe-pra-zole
  • Aciphex (brand name) Rabeprazole (chemical name) Pronunciation - rab-ep-pra-zole

Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order

* Esophagus
Pronounced - eh-SAW-fuh-gus
Esophagus is the organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Also called gullet or food pipe. Also spelled oesophagus.


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The information discussed above is a general overview and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.