Let us look at GERD symptoms in children, infants, women and GERD symptoms in general. GERD happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens on an impulse, for varying periods of time, and does not close normally making the contents of the stomach push up into the esophagus. GERD is also called acid reflux because the acids or the digestive juices move up with the food.
The most common symptom of acid reflux or GERD is heartburn. GERD(Gastroesophageal reflux disease) and GER(Gastroesophageal reflux) are similar but GER is a normal thing to happen. However if GERD or acid reflux continues twice more than a week, it becomes GERD, which is known to cause health problems.
GERD symptoms in children and infants
GERD symptoms in children may vary from adults. In children, GERD symptoms are in the form of continual vomiting, coughing and respiratory problems. Refusing food, irritability, not being of normal weight, burping are common GERD symptoms in babies and children. Also there is a variation in symptoms of acid reflux in children. Some of the symptoms in children are”:
1. Inconsolable crying in case of infants and babies. Irritability in case of young children, screaming and getting up suddenly from sleep.
2. Excessive vomiting
3. Possetting after a feed is quite normal GERD symptom in infants
4. Frequent hiccups and burping
5. Dribbling and running nose
6. Choking, gagging and swallowing problems.
7. Not interesting in eating food
8. Coughing at night time, pneumonia and bronchitis in extreme cases
9. Bad breath, acid smelling breath
10. Acid smelling , loose stools, constipation or frequent bowel movements.
Babies who suffer from acid reflux may not vomit at all, in some cases. This can be even more problematic because the acid in the stomach can go up the throat and fall back again, causing more issues. Please note that there is no defined relationship between the symptoms and intensity of reflux.
GERD, Acid reflux symptoms in women
GERD or acid symptoms in women can be in the form of:
1. Burning pain in the chest, known as hearburn, or in the top part of the abdomen.
2. Acid taste in the mouth
3. Chronic, dry cough
4. Irritation in the throat
5. Nausea
6. Belching
7. Difficult swallowing
How does GERD happen?
We mentioned about LES opening and pushing the contents from the stomach into the throat. LES is a one way valve that you can relate to as a tap that controls the water in your sink. So when you turn on the handle of this tap, the valve opens and water comes out. Similarly, if LES opens, the meal contents move into the stomach. Ideally, the water should not flow back to the faucet. Similarly in case of LES, if it loses its strength, it cannot keep the acid mixture down and you feel heart burn and other acid reflux symptoms.
GERD symptoms in men , how they are different from women
GERD symptoms in men are the same as the ones in women. The only difference can be women are more prone to nutritional deficiencies than men. This is because women conceive and men do not.
Fin out more information on how to treat acid reflux hiccups
