Is my child's abdominal discomfort caused by GERD?

Question

Hello doctor,

I’m writing to ask about my 12-year-old son, who’s been having ongoing stomach issues. After meals, he often says his chest feels like it’s burning, and sometimes he avoids eating because he says it makes the burning worse. He’s also been coughing a lot at night and recently mentioned a sour taste in his mouth. I looked up his symptoms and came across GERD, which sounds like what he might be experiencing. I’m quite worried, especially since he’s so young. He’s not overweight and doesn’t eat a lot of junk food, so I’m unsure what could be causing this. Should I take him in for tests right away, or would it be better to start by changing his diet and habits? If it is GERD, will he need long-term medication? I’d really appreciate your guidance on what steps to take next to help him feel better.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to iCliniq.com.

Thank you for your question.

I'm sorry to hear that your son is having these symptoms. Based on what you've described, burning in the chest after meals, nighttime coughing, and a sour taste in the mouth, it's possible that he's dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Here are some steps you can take:

Diet and lifestyle changes: Even though your son isn't overweight and doesn't eat much junk food, certain foods can still trigger reflux. Try cutting back on spicy foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty or fried items. It may also help if he eats smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions.
Elevate his head while sleeping: Raising the head of his bed slightly (about six to eight inches) can reduce nighttime symptoms by keeping stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.
Try antacids or H2 blockers: Over-the-counter antacids or H2 blockers (like Famotidine) may help. If symptoms continue, your doctor might consider a trial of a low-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI). These medications reduce stomach acid and can relieve symptoms like chest burning and sour taste.
Consult a doctor: Since your son is young and the symptoms are persistent, it's important to talk to his pediatrician or a pediatric gastroenterologist. They may recommend further testing, such as an upper endoscopy or pH monitoring, to confirm the diagnosis and decide on the best treatment approach.
Watch for warning signs: Keep track of his symptoms. If they worsen, if he loses weight, or has ongoing severe discomfort, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term issues like esophagitis.

I understand your concern—it's tough to see your child uncomfortable. Fortunately, GERD is manageable with the right care. A visit to his doctor is a great next step.

Hope this helps,

Thank you.

Is my child's abdominal discomfort caused by GERD?

Could your child's discomfort be GERD?