Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or the acid reflux disease is a very commonplace these days. The comparatively skewed lifestyle of the modern times and the food habits that has underwent a revolutionary change are the primary reasons behind this widespread prevalence of this disease. This acid reflux disease is caused due to the opening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle which is situated at the end of the esophagus and the starting of the stomach but when it fails to close down completely that leaves the digestive juices to climb up with the food content. When this acid reflux occurs, the taste of the food or the fluid can be felt at the rear of the tongue. When this acid reflux touches the epithelial lining of the esophagus, it causes heartburn or acid indigestion which is a burning type of sensation in the part between mid abdomen and lower mid chest.

People of all ages can have this disease. Children of all ages can also have this acid reflux disease. It is therefore very important to distinguish between acid reflux between adult and the children. Unlike adults with acid reflux disease, children with this disease are quite happy. They also for most of the time do not experience any heartburn or acidic indigestion which is omnipresent among the adults. Children with acidic reflux are seen to vomit quite frequently. Any reflux that is persistent for more than one year graduates into GERD. However, people have a tendency not to associate too much importance to the reflux among the children.

Studies have proved this and have also confirmed the omnipresence of the GERD. Children can show signs of irritation which is usually after feeding them. This feeling irritation and aching due to GERD may refuse to eat which can have catastrophic effect on his growth. In case of any discomfort by the child, you may consult a doctor who will prescribe you simple ways through which reflux can be avoided. In case the child is a bit older, doctor may recommend small and frequent meals for the child. Some of the food that help the acid reflux disease to sustain should also be avoided without any lame excuse. Things like food with high concentration of caffeine like sodas and other cold drinks that may have high concentration of it, chocolate etc. Other food articles that are spicy should also be avoided. All the fried food that is cooked deep in oil and also very rich in fat content has to be avoided in all circumstances. Even the fruits that are high in citric acid like the oranges, tomatoes and such should be avoided. All the tomato based food preparation should also be avoided. Apart from the checking the food habits, one also has to confirm that food is taken at least two to three hours before going to bed. Doctor may also ask the parents to raise the head of the bed where the child beds with wooden blocks rather than adding additional pillows. Surgery is very rare to cure a child with acid reflux.