Athletic teenager w/ GERD

[vamom3]

Our 16 year old daughter has been experiencing heart burn/GERD now for almost a year ... she has had endoscopy, upper GI, stomach emptying test.  She is on Reglan and Prevacid twice a day.  She still gets heart burn when running (she runs cross country) and that is running on an empty stomach.

It seems as if we're overlooking something simple - she eats small, frequent meals, avoids the usual fatty, spicy foods, no caffeine, limited chocolate.  She's getting stressed over it due to her inability to run as usual.  

Anyone have any suggestions?  Ideas?  
We see a pediatric gastroenterologist.

[selmaS]

U r welcome,

If nexium didn't work, ask the dr about trying something else. There r 2 diff types of meds for Reflux PPI's (proton pump inhibitor) or HII's ( histamine 2 inhibitors)

I was on PPI's for yrs when I had a flare, this past yr they stoped working..I am now on the HII's and they r working great.

Ask her if she holds her stomach in as she runs....maybe she can try to relax b4 and after.....yoga?

"selma"

[vamom3]

Thanks selma

During the endoscopy, they saw a little redness in her upper stomach - they tested for bacteria and didn't find anything.

She doesn't do the tight clothing (most of the time - she is 16!) and we know stress aggravates it, but it does seem like running makes it the worst and she loves to run and does not want to give it up.

She's tried Nexium, but that didn't work well at all.

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the GERD forum.

U mentioned the tests she has had, but what is the root cause of her GERD?....does she have a Hiatal Hernia?...what did they find?

In addition to the food u mention she may want to try and avoid dairy later in the day.....and acidic foods like tomatoes.....pineapple.....citrus.

Also, see if chewing surgar free gum helps...the saliva that is created chewing helps break down the acids....it may help.

I also know that tight clothes can add to reflux and heartburn....and stress will add to it.
She will need to find a way to relax....meditation, yoga.

Has she been checked for bacteria like H.Pylori?...or too little acid?

One last idea, I was on PPI meds like prilosec for yrs......and during my last flare it no longer worked for me...mayb these meds are not the right ones...ask about HII's like pepcid RX.

Please keep us posted
"selma"