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.