Jakarta, ThedailyID — Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is often associated with adults, but children can also develop the condition. Pediatric specialists warn that untreated GERD may interfere with a child’s growth, nutrition, and overall development.
Dr. Eva Jeumpa Soelaeman, a pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology consultant at Eka Hospital MT Haryono, said GERD commonly appears after the age of one. Unlike infants, who often spit up because their digestive systems are still developing, older children usually develop GERD because of daily habits.
According to Eva, lying down immediately after eating, running or jumping after meals, overeating, and wearing tight clothing that puts pressure on the abdomen can all trigger acid reflux.
GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus, becomes weak. As a result, stomach contents and acid flow back into the esophagus.
Meanwhile, parents should distinguish GERD from gastroesophageal reflux (GER). GER is common in infants because the sphincter muscle has not fully matured. It usually improves as babies grow older.
GERD, however, is more serious. The reflux occurs repeatedly, causes symptoms, disrupts daily activities, and may affect a child’s growth if left untreated.
The most common symptoms include vomiting and abdominal pain. However, Eva said some children develop less obvious signs, making the condition harder to recognize.
For example, she recalled treating a child who suffered from a chronic cough for a year. After further examination, doctors found that GERD was the underlying cause.
In addition to persistent coughing, children with GERD may experience frequent burping, poor appetite, repeated hiccups, chest pain, wheezing, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, and tooth enamel erosion caused by stomach acid.
Furthermore, untreated GERD may reduce a child’s appetite and nutritional intake. Over time, that can slow weight gain, affect height, delay cognitive development, and increase the risk of stunting.
In severe cases, stomach contents can enter the lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia. Long-term acid reflux may also damage the esophagus and increase the risk of Barrett’s esophagus.
Several factors can increase a child’s risk of developing GERD. These include obesity, delayed stomach emptying, neurological or muscular disorders, sleeping immediately after meals, and wearing tight clothing.
Doctors recommend seeking medical attention if a child experiences repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, poor weight gain, refusal to eat, chronic cough, unexplained anemia, or difficulty swallowing.
Treatment usually begins with lifestyle changes. Parents should offer smaller meals more frequently, avoid high-fat and processed foods, keep children upright after eating, wait at least three hours before bedtime, and choose loose-fitting clothing. Doctors may also prescribe medication when necessary.
Overall, experts say early diagnosis and healthy daily habits can help control GERD, reduce complications, and support healthy growth and development.
