Child with reflux disease

[RavensMommy07]

My 6yr old (almost 7)just got his pH probe results back which showed " significant reflux disease". The doctor said he had a lot more reflux than a child his age should have and over 1/3 reach his upper esophagus. His symptoms that lead to testing were recurrent pneumonias (over 6 last year), chronic sinusitis, and failure to gain weight (he's been 44 at his heaviest but always drops back to 42). They've put him on 20mg prescription Prilosec and a "diet" of foods to avoid. Does anyone else have a child with this? Are these symptoms typical w/o tummy troubles or heart burn? What will they be looking for when they do an endoscopy? Also, could the GERD be a result of something else?

[selmaS]

  Ditto to the spot on info and suggestion by Flycaster.

[Flycaster305]

I certainly understand that your experience was positive, but we don't know what tests have been done, what the child's hx is and what could damage the LES valve or the upper valve.  From what I understand about 2% of the population show a gluten problem, so it is possible.  A similar percentage has LES valve damage, so that is also possible.  There are literally hundreds of reasons for digestive issues.  In my case, extreme vomiting  caused by a blocked bowel destroyed my LES valve.  Other people have gall bladder issues.  A seven year old can certainly have a hx that might be the cause other than a single issue.
I strongly urge, Ravensmommy, to listen to the docs, have your child have the tests, and use us as support, but depend on the medical community, not health boards.  Keep us informed, and best wishes.

[NT77]

Hmm, my reflux simply disappeared 24 hours after I quit gluten, and I take no drugs whatsoever. That's all it took to fix it.

In what condition can a 7-year old's esophagus be, except for brand new?

[Flycaster305]

Generally an endoscopy shows the condition of the esophagus, and if any cells particularly above the LES valve show changes, which is a strong sign, as I understand, of acid reflux.  The fact that the ph test shows problems certainly would be a reason to have an endoscopy.  It is a procedure that won't do more than make your child pretty loopy, and will give a lot of information.
I'd ignore any suggestions of diet and drug additions or withdrawals, there are many reasons for GERD, etc.   I'd precede with tests and listen to your doctors, and let us know what is found.  

[NT77]

There's a possibility that it's caused by gluten intolerance. Just a possibility.

You can try cutting out all gluten and Prilosec for few days, and if that's his case, reflux will disappear.