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12 year old boy with acid reflux

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Guest
Guest

Hi. After a bit of advice on what to do next. Only for the last 6 months, our son has been complaining and suffering from acid reflux. He describes it as burning in the upper part of his tummy. But occasionally it comes up to the top of his throat. He does not get it every meal or every day. On average, he gets it about once every 2 to 3 days in one of his meals. He has good overall health and is not obese and does not overeat.

Our concern is long term effect of acid on the oesophagus. We have no idea how much/often acid is required to cause Barrett's oesophagus, or worse cancer!.

The specialist at our first session so far has recommended a mild laxative to assist his stomach emptying. We want to avoid proton pumps inhibitors as the side effects are serious (ie causes kidney damage and/or dementia). Specialist wants to do endoscopy if the laxative does not work (and it isnt working!)

  1. could this be a teen puberty thing with hormones?

  2. can acid be a transient thing or is he stick with it.

  3. clearly acid is needed in the stomach, but is there a way to "train" the sphincter to close up properly?

Appreciate any experience in this area.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • moon53540
    moon53540 Guest

    Posted

    hormone changes can affect reflux. He is at the age when his hormones will be changing, so it may not last.

    Diet is very important. Fatty foods, caffeine, sugar, citrus fruits, fizzy drinks, dairy, garlic and onion can all contribute to reflux. Google low acid diet to find out foods that can help.

    Over the counter medication like rennie will have no harmful effects and he can take them after food or when he gets his symptoms. I think you can take up to 4 a day.

    Some people always have problems with it and others it can come and go. I had terrible reflux when I was a teenager it went away and came back and I find it worse at certain times of the month when my hormones change. There can be certain medications that make it bad like antibiotics, so if he has to take something like that, he really has to watch what he eats.

    • Guest
      Guest moon53540

      Posted

      I really appreciate you help. Will google low acid diets to see if that helps

  • Luckyman
    Luckyman Guest

    Posted

    Is he stressed?

    • Guest
      Guest Luckyman

      Posted

      Hi. No he seems to be fine. And we often ask if anything bothers him. We certainly don't want our stress about his acid to be any cause for his stress

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