Adolescent GERD

[tkgiglio]

My 11 year old daughter was diagnosed with GERD about 1 year ago. She had not complained of any symptoms in over 6 months so I thought it was under control. Last week she said she had been feeling like she was having "heart burn" again and was belching alot. One day last week she was standing next to me and felt like a belch or burp had gotten stuck in her throat. She got really scared and felt almost like she could not breath. She had one other day of feeling like she could not get a full breath so I immediately took her to her pediatrician. He advised 30 mg prevacid twice a day, and gaviscon OTC in between if needed. The appointment was Friday morning and since that time (it is now Monday night) she has not had a full meal. She is acting very depressed and says she is scared to swallow food and is having alot of anxiety. She is such an even tempered (not moody at all) child. How long should I wait to see some of the effects of the Prevacid twice a day? Should I take her back to the doctor or wait to see if the Prevacid will begin working? I am worried that she has not eaten a meal in 4 days. Should I try and make her eat? Any suggestions?
Thank you, in advance, for your help

[Ratnakar Kini]

Hi tkgiglio,
Your daughter needs to take prevacid for 4-8 weeks for complete relief. To be effective, it has to be taken immediately before meals.

Life style modifications also very vital for relief from GERD.

You need to talk to your daughter and tell her not to worry about it and make her eat something. Empty stomach may worsen GERD symptoms.

If 4-8 weeks of prevacid does not help, meet your gastro  for further evaluation.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[micky184]

I would suggest that you have her eat something even if she feels sick because her GERD will get worse if she doesn't eat. I have GERD and I get that feeling like there is something stuck in my throat too. I just eat a piece of bread and it helps. Also, regarding the prevacid, it takes a while before you feel the effects. You have to wait it out. If your daughter isn't getting better, then you go back to the doctor. Also, I would look into a pediatric gastroenterologist, who specializes in the treatment of GERD. It would be beneficial. I hope that helps.