Acid reflux is a chronic condition that doesn’t just affect adults. It also occurs in babies and children. In fact, acid reflux in children is quite common. The symptoms are nearly identical. They include chest pain, stomach pain and heartburn. Kids may not be able to accurately voice or explain their symptoms. Therefore, it is often necessary for parents or caregivers to look for cues. Some common ones are frequent waking up at night, complaints of stomach pain, coughing (especially at night), hoarseness and not wanting to eat.

If your child is complaining of any or all of these symptoms, it is important that you get them to a doctor so that they can be properly diagnosed. You will want to rule out any other illnesses and ensure that they are prescribed the medication necessary to alleviate their discomfort.

A physician may be able to give them a diagnosis by asking the child questions about their symptoms and by performing a physical. If they are still not able to determine the cause of the pain and discomfort through these measures, they may order certain tests. A routine lab, including blood tests may be necessary, as might an esophageal ph test or an upper endoscopy. An endoscopy will require that a long tube with a camera attached by inserted into the throat. It will be able to take pictures of the stomach and esophagus. The physician will be looking for irritation, redness and swelling.

Here are 7 tips and tricks to cure Acid Reflux:

Don’t Drink Alcohol: Alcohol can also cause acid reflux. Therefore, only drink in moderation if at all. This is especially true right before you go to bed.

Chew Gum: Chewing gum after you eat can aid the body in producing saliva. Saliva helps to neutralize acid.

Drink Warm Milk: Drinking warm milk at night before you go to bed can help alleviate acid reflux symptoms.

Try Baking Soda: Drinking water and baking soda can help neutralize acid in the stomach.

Over the Counter Medications: OTC medications can help you effectively treat acid reflux.

Avoid Caffeine and Soda: Caffeine and carbonated drinks can help you avoid GERD symptoms.

Lose Weight: When a person is overweight, bulk around the abdomen can make it difficult for the esophagus to dump food into the stomach. This can increase one’s chance of acid reflux.

Other tips to alleviate acid reflux are to wear loose clothing, identify what drugs may cause acid reflux symptoms and ask your doctor if there are suitable substitutes.  Also avoid eating too much at one sitting.  The above list are a few common ways to treat heart burn and each may be considered an acid reflux cure.