Gastroesophageal reflux in children is a problem that affects up to 12% of children under 11 years of age, which causes these children suffer from heartburn or regurgitation after lunch or dinner. Gastroesophageal reflux is suffered by children and adults, occurs as a result of improper shutdown of the lower esophageal sphincter, ie the end that connects the esophagus and stomach.
As they are not properly closed this valve, the gastric acid has a pH that causes burning in the pit of the stomach when gastric contents beyond the lower esophageal sphincter reaching the throat or mouth, we then talking about heartburn, feeling of burning or pain produced in the esophagus resulting from regurgitation of gastric acid.
Federico Arguelles, the head of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University Hospital Virgen Macarena in Seville, talks about this problem and indicates that at this type of discomfort is necessary to go to the specialist to prevent the child finishes developing reflux disease gastroesophageal, also called GERD. Heartburn can lead to injury of the esophagus or esophagitis, an inflammation or irritation of the esophagus that lessens the quality of life of the sufferer. (more…)
