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Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Discharge Instructions, Child


About this topic


GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is sometimes just called reflux. Normally, food goes from the mouth through the food pipe and then into the belly. The food pipe is also called the esophagus. This illness happens when the contents of the belly leak backwards into the food pipe. This leaking can bother the food pipe. Your child may have heartburn, burping, bloating, and belly pain after eating. GERD can be treated in many different ways. Sometimes, doctors use drugs or suggest changes in lifestyle. Other times, diet changes or surgery is needed. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
  • Help your child keep a healthy weight.
  • Have your child avoid tight clothes.
  • Have your child eat small meals more often. Do not let your child skip meals. Your child should not eat large meals to make up for missed meals.
  • Have your child avoid eating 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
  • Teach your child not to lie down for at least 2 hours after eating.
  • Raise the head of your childs bed 6 to 8 inches. Ask your doctor if this is needed based on your child's signs. You may need to raise it by putting wooden blocks under the head of the bed or using a foam wedge under the mattress. It is not helpful to use extra pillows. This can cause your child discomfort and worsen their signs.

What follow-up care is needed?


The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Relieve heartburn
  • Prevent reflux
  • Lessen acid production
  • Relieve signs and heal the esophageal lining

Will physical activity be limited?


Your childs physical activities will not be limited. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


  • Limit your childs caffeine intake.
  • Encourage your child not to eat high-acid fruits and vegetables. Avoid oranges, berries, tomatoes, and other foods high in acid.
  • Do not give your child spicy, fatty, or fried foods.

What problems could happen?


  • Asthma
  • Change in the lining of the tube from the mouth to the belly that can increase the risk of cancer
  • Irritation and spasm of the airways due to acid
  • Long-term cough
  • Dental problems
  • Higher risk of esophageal cancer
  • Narrowing of the food pipe. This is a stricture.
  • Open sore in the food pipe. This is an ulcer.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Problem or pain when swallowing
  • More throwing up or throwing up fluid that looks like blood or coffee grounds
  • Pain in the chest or upper part of the belly
  • Very bad heartburn that lasts for a long time
  • Cough, hoarseness of voice, or bad breath
  • Problem with breathing
  • Weight loss or not wanting to eat
  • Your child is not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or is feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my childs condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my child's eating habits to ease the reflux.
  • I can tell you what I will do if my child is throwing up fluid that looks like blood or coffee grounds.

Where can I learn more?


KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/surgical/gerd_reflux.html ‚  
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚  
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerinchildren/ ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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