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Acid Reflux (GERD) in Children
A well-balanced diet and nutrition are very important for the proper growth and development of your child. However, if your child refuses to eat, throws up often, complains of stomach aches, have recurrent bouts of sore throats or other such symptoms, there is a likelihood that your child may be suffering from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Know more about this problem in children and what all you can do to effectively manage this condition in your child.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a digestive ailment that may affect babies and children equally. In most cases, this problem may get better by the time your child turns three years. However, some children may keep battling with it for a longer period and this may affect the growth of the child and may cause harm to their oesophagus.
What Causes Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children?
You may wonder why your child is suffering from this problem. Most babies develop this condition due to an immature digestive system but in older babies and children this is due to a weaker lower oesophagal sphincter or LES. Following are some reasons or causes of lower LES in children:
Taking certain medication (for example painkillers, antihistamines to treat asthma)
More pressure on the abdominal region because of excessive weight or by engaging in any strenuous physical activity.
Developmental or neurological disorders.
Any kind of abnormality in the stomach, which may cause acid to run back to the oesophagus.
Consuming spicy and heavy meals and then lying on the back or bending down from the waist.
Consuming food with more acidic content.
Eating meals just before going to bed or late at night.
What are The Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Kids?
If your child is complaining or exhibiting the following symptoms, you should take a cue and consult your doctor:
Foul smell from your child’s mouth or bad breath.
Feelings of nausea or vomit after consuming meals.
Constant refusal to eat.
Experiences of pain or difficulty in swallowing food.
Choking or wheezing sound when the food enters your child’s windpipe.
Complaint by your child of a sour taste in his mouth, usually after waking up in the mornings.
Experience of constant bouts of heartburn, and burning sensation in stomach; or complaints of pain in the chest by your child.
All these above-mentioned symptoms are indicative of the fact that your child may be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease. Therefore, you should seek medical help for the same and get your child’s symptoms under control.
How to Diagnose GERD in A Child?
In case your child is of the age where he can talk about his problem with the doctor, then the doctor will ask various questions to your kid, do a physical examination and ask about various other symptoms too. All this information will help the doctor decide the correct course of treatment for your kid. However, if your baby or younger child is the victim of this problem, then your doctor may conduct following examination to confirm the diagnosis:
Milk Scans: Milk scan or gastric emptying study that involves adopting x-ray techniques to monitor the liquid in the child’s stomach. This test helps establish if the liquid is getting inhaled into the lungs or stomach is acting slowly in emptying the liquid.
Upper GI Test Or Barium Test: This is a test that shows how oesophagus reacts to barium. It helps in detecting any abnormalities or irritation in the oesophagus.
pH Probe Or 24-hour Impedance-Probe Study: This is an invasive technique in which a thin flexible tube inserted through the nose into the oesophagus to check the acid levels.
Upper GI Endoscopy: In this procedure, a tiny camera is used to see directly into the oesophagus, stomach and the small intestine to see for the probable cause of acid reflux.
Possible Complications of Paediatric GERD
GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease may sometimes cause serious complication in children. Following are some of the complications that may arise:
It may cause breathing problems in children. This may happen when the stomach’s contents enter trachea, nose or lungs of the child.
Sometimes GERD may cause bleeding in the oesophagus.
Some children may develop esophagitis, a condition resulting from irritation and redness of the oesophagus.
In some cases, children may develop scar tissue in the oesophagus. This may make swallowing extremely difficult for the child.
Treatment for GERD in Kids
If your child is suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, your doctor may advise you various acid reflux treatment for the child, options based on the severity and symptoms of your child’s condition. Here are some of the treatment options available to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease in children:
The doctor may prescribe antacids to stop the acid formation.
The doctor may give Proton pump inhibitors such as Prevacid and Nexium.
The doctor may prescribe Histamine-2 blockers, which reduces the formation of acid.
Apart from the above medicines, your doctor may recommend following changes in your child’s diet and lifestyle to reduce the symptoms of GERD:
Avoiding fatty, starchy or fried food items.
Refraining from acidic fruits and vegetables, carbonated beverages and other such food items that irritate the tummy.
Eating smaller and frequent meals through the day.
Losing weight if your child is obese.
Keeping the head in a higher position or elevated state while lying down and sleeping.
Avoiding tight and uncomfortable clothes.
Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux in Children
Apart from the above-mentioned treatment options, there are many effective natural home remedial measures that may control the symptoms of acid reflux in children. Here are some effective natural remedies:
1. Yoghurt
You can give yoghurt to cure acid reflux in your child. Yoghurt has alkaline properties, which are very effective in soothing the oesophagus and maintaining the pH balance of the body. Yoghurt is also very safe and unlike most antacids, yoghurt does not hamper with protein absorption by the body.
2. Fennel Seeds
The presence of an enzyme called anethole in fennel seeds is very beneficial in controlling the gastrointestinal spasms and thus very good in treating GERD in children.
3. Coconut Oil
Having coconut oil on daily basis reduces the symptoms of GERD to a great extent. This is because coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the stomach and reduces acid reflux.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is very beneficial in keeping the pH balance of the body. You can give one tablespoon of ACV mixed in half a glass of water on daily basis to your kid to keep GERD at bay.
5. Basil Leaves
Basil leaves are also effective in treating the symptoms of GERD. Take a glass of water and add few basil leaves in it. Boil till it reduces to one third, cool it and then give it your child to drink in the morning.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is very beneficial in controlling acid reflux in children. You can take fresh Aleo Vera leaf and scrape out the gel and boil this gel with some water. Give this concoction to your kid before every meal to avoid acid reflux.
7. Ginger
Ginger juice mixed in some warm water works wonders to prevent acid reflux in children. You should give concoction on an empty stomach.
8. Baking Soda
The alkaline property of baking soda is very effective in maintaining the pH balance of the body. You can take a teaspoon of baking soda and mix it in a glass of water. Give this mixture to your kid to alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux.
9. Aniseed
Aniseeds are a great treatment option for an upset and troubled stomach. Give a spoonful of aniseeds to your kid to chew after every meal. Alternatively, you may soak it in water for three to four hours and give it your kid after straining. You may add some sugar to the water for some taste.
10. Chewing Gums
Chewing gums is also one of the many effective home remedial measures to treat severe acid reflux in the child. Chewing helps in stimulating the saliva, which helps in neutralizing the acids in the stomach.
Foods to Prevent Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Child
There are many triggers of an acid reflux and knowing about them will help you keep your kid’s problem at bay. Here are some food items that you should not let your child have to prevent gastroesophageal reflux:
Oily, spicy and fatty food items.
Chocolates and sugary foods.
Mint or peppermint
Any citrus fruits such as organs, lemons, sweet limes etc.
Tomatoes and any dish prepared with tomatoes.
Caffeinated beverages
Onions and garlic
When to Consult A Doctor?
Though with proper care and medical help you can easily control GERD in your child, but sometimes certain complications may arise that may require immediate medical intervention. Following are some of the complications that you should immediately report to your child’s doctor:
If your kid looks dehydrated.
If your kid is losing weight.
If your child is vomiting a lot.
If the colour of your child’s vomit is green or yellow, or it has blood stains in it.
If your kid experiences trouble in breathing after vomiting.
If you notice any of these symptoms or other alarming symptoms, it is advised that you call your doctor for assistance. Timely treatment can ward off any major complication.
Make sure you give light home-cooked meals to your kid at regular intervals. As soon as you notice any GERD symptoms, start with the home remedial measures. However, it is best to consult your kid’s doctor before you give any home remedy to your kid.
Also Read: Indigestion in Kids Read more
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12 Natural Home Remedies To Relieve Your Child From Painful Insect Bites
Summers are here and so are the vacations. And this typically means more outdoor activities for the young ones and more worries for the mums at home! You cannot stop your little one from fun activities just because you fear he would get bitten or stung by an insect. But what you can surely do is be careful and well prepared to deal with an emergency should it arise.
Toddlers are active and forever in the mood for exploring. In the course of this running around and playing, it is common to get stung by an insect. The good news is that first-aid and home remedies heals almost all the types of bites and stings. They are natural and therefore you can be sure that they won't cause any further harm and will fulfill the purpose.
The best thing about home remedies is that they are mostly natural and have been tested over the years. Hence, they are safe and reliable. However, if the condition and irritation persists, you should always seek medical attention.
Preventing Your Child From Insect Bites
Sometimes a simple ant bite can be extremely serious and therefore the best thing is to avoid being bitten in the first place.
Well, you know what they say, prevention is always better than cure. Sometimes, a simple ant bite can become extremely serious! Therefore the best thing is to avoid being bitten in the first place. Here are a few preventive measures you should take to safeguard kids from these insect bites:
Mosquito Bites Prevention
Place a net over your child’s cot to prevent him from bites.
Dress your child up in light colours when you take him out. It's better if the clothes are long sleeved and covered.
You could also apply an insect repellent cream during play time but be careful it doesn’t go inside the mouth or eyes.
Wasp Sting Prevention
Make sure your little one is not drinking straight from soft drink cans. Wasps get attracted to sugar and thus may sting your child at this time.
Ant Bites Prevention
Ensure your child avoids disrupting lines of ants with their foot, hands or fingers. Children have this habit and may end up getting bitten instead.
Teach your child to simply shake off an ant if it climbs in them or get rid of them by a flicking motion.
Tell them to never squish ants.
Dealing with Ant Bites in Toddlers
An ant bite is painful and swells up the affected area. Ants can inject a particular type of poison with their sting that some children could be allergic to. It might give them rashes and breathing problems. Your child could also collapse – an occurrence called anaphylaxis – and this is one of the ant bites symptoms that warrants immediate medical intervention.
These ant bites remedies work extremely well and are known to provide instant relief:
1. Apply Vinegar to the Affected Area
Vinegar is anti-bacterial in nature and therefore helps in preventing any bacterial infection that occurs on the skin surface. It can soothe your child's skin at once and bring him relief from the pain and irritation.
2. Place Tea Bags on The Bite
Tea bags contain anti-inflammatory properties since they contain tannic acid. Moisten the tea bags, cool them, and thereafter place them on the bite area as soon as possible.
3. Apply Salt on The Bite Area
Applying salt on the bite area helps prevent infections and swelling on the skin. Just mix some salt with water and rub the paste over the affected area. This will also help your child not scratch, thus ensuring that no transfer of germs takes place.
Give your child paracetamol if the pain is mild. If there is itchiness, an antihistamine medication prescribed by your chemist will work. However, if there is severe reaction from the sting, take your child to emergency care.
Dealing with Bee Stings in Children
The most common bee stings symptoms are barbs on the child's skin at the end of a bee sting. They stay in the skin along with the toxic venom. Your child would be in severe pain and the affected area will swell up. If your child is allergic to the toxin, it could lead to severe side-effects.
Firstly, remove the insect sting carefully. Keep it for the doctor so that he can identify the repercussions. Do not squeeze out the sting but rather try to scrape it off. Then, use these bee stings remedies to provide relief to your child as soon as possible:
4. Use Crushed Ice
The first thing to instinctively do after cleaning the wound is to apply ice immediately. Leave it for at least 20 minutes as ice will help in numbing the pain and slowing the blood flow to the affected area, which reduces swelling.
5. Apply Crushed Garlic
Take two cloves of garlic and crush them to release the juices. Then, press it against the bite area. Cover it with a moist towel and let that sit for approximately 20-30 minutes.
6. Use Lavender Oil
Apply one or two drops of lavender essential oil to the wound. Lavender oil has certain properties that helps in neutralizing the venom immediately.
Alternatively, paracetamol will give immediate relief from pain. However, you should see a doctor if things don't improve.
Dealing With Mosquito Bites in Toddlers
The most common mosquito bites symptoms are red lumps in the affected area. Your child’s face can get swelled up if he has been bitten there. Since mosquitoes are more active in summer, especially during dusk and evening, this is when you should watch out for them.
Use these mosquito bites remedies to soothe the bites and calm down your child:
7. Apply Calamine
Calamine lotion helps reduce itchiness. Therefore, just dab some lotion and rub it across to help relieve the itch and redness.
8. Dab Aloe Vera Gel/Juice
Aloe vera is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and is an excellent remedy for mosquito bites. Just use the fresh inner leaf of an aloe vera plant or dab some aloe vera juice. Both work equally well.
9. Apply Toothpaste
As amusing as it may sound, toothpaste works really well for providing temporary relief. Apply some peppermint or neem toothpaste to the area of the bite and allow it to dry for as long as needed.
Also, ask your child not to scratch the affected area as it could get infected. If the swelling and itching become severe, and also interrupt sleep, give your child an antihistamine.
Dealing With Wasp Stings in Children
Stings from a wasp cause a lot of swelling and pain. These are the most prominent wasp stings symptoms. However, they do not lead to any allergic reaction. Remember that wasps are very aggressive and thus may sting multiple times.
Be very careful while removing the sting. Keep the area cool by applying ice. Then use these wasp stings remedies:
10. Use Basil Leaves
This common kitchen ingredient has chemical compounds like eugenol that helps relieve itchy skin. Just roughly cut some basil leaves to release the herb's natural oils and apply directly on the affected area. Hold it for a few minutes.
11. Apple Cider Vinegar
The acid in the vinegar helps neutralise the venom from the sting. Soak a few cotton pads in a small amount of apple cider vinegar and apply it on the area stung.
12. Use Baking Soda & Water Paste
This ingredient present in every household works for almost everything! Just mix a little baking soda (or otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate) with a little water to make a paste and apply it directly on the wound.
If you feel the wound is severe, use medication such as antihistamine and paracetamol for reducing swelling. However, if your little one complains of persistent pain or has problems with breathing, it is better to seek expert help.
Aside from these, your toddler may also suffer from centipede bites, flea bites or spider bites. Even though these bites are not life-threatening, they might cause a lot of trouble to your child especially if he develops allergic reactions to the venom. You must take safety measures to tackle the pain and inflammation. The above home remedies are best always kept handy, especially during the summer months. Read more
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Best Gudi Padwa Wishes, Messages and Quotes for Your Loved Ones
So, it’s Gudi Padwa, and it is a big day for Maharashtrians and Konkanis! The people of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh also celebrate this day as Ugadi. Gudi Padwa is celebrated as a new year according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, and it also marks the beginning of the spring and harvest season. The beginning of the year is celebrated with some pious traditions which include taking an oil bath in the morning, as it is believed that this holy bath purifies one’s mind and soul. After the sacred bath, they consume neem leaves as it purifies blood and increases immunity. It's only then that they offer their prayers to the almighty.
Wishes, Messages and Quotes of Gudi Padwa to Celebrate the Beginning of New Year
Surprise your loved ones with these beautiful Gudi Padwa greetings and wishes:
Wishing you a colourful beginning of the new year! May this new year bring you lots of happiness and laughter. Happy Gudi Padwa!
May the almighty bless you with countless joys, health, prosperity, wealth and happiness this season. Happy Gudi Padwa!
On this auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, I wish you all the happiness, love and success in life! Keep smiling and celebrating. Happy Gudi Padwa!
May this auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa bring you countless joy, prosperity, wealth and good health to you and your family! Stay blessed!
Long live the glorious tradition of the Hindu culture - as the generations have passed by, the Hindu culture is getting stronger and more prosperous! Happy Gudi Padwa!
Raise the Gudi, join your hands
Pray to god, he understands
Live each day to the fullest
May this Gudi Padwa bring happiness, health and joy!
May the flavour of raw mangoes, raw neem and jaggery remove all the bitterness from your life! Happy Gudi Padwa!
Wishing you lots of love, happiness and new hopes in life on this auspicious occasion of Ugadi!
On this auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, together let us all resolve to spread love, happiness and kindness around us!
As the new year ushers in…here’s wishing your way lots of love, happiness and prosperity! Happy Ugadi!
This Gudi Padwa may all your wishes and dreams come true, and may success touch your feet! Happy Gudi Padwa!
It’s the time of year to make new year resolutions, which you know you can never keep. But you’ll do it anyway! Happy Ugadi to you and your entire family!
Hope you have rocking celebrations and get to spend some quality time with your loved ones! Have a cheerful, fun-filled, prosperous year ahead! Happy Gudi Padwa!
On this new year look forward to new aims, new dreams, new achievements everything waiting for you! Forget the failures, correct the mistakes; surely success will be yours! Happy Gudi Padwa!
This Gudi Padwa, I pray that God showers you with his choicest of blessings, fate never takes you for a bumpy ride, cupid strikes you with his sweetest arrow, lady luck bestows upon you, health and happiness, your guardian angel keeps your mind pure and sacred! Happy Gudi Padwa!
May true happiness, success, longevity and good fortune bestow your feet this season! Happy Gudi Padwa to you and your family!
May this Gudi Padwa bring many new opportunities your way, to explore every joy of life and turning all your dreams into reality and all your efforts into great achievements! Wish you and your family a very happy Gudi Padwa!
Today we will open a new book; its pages are blank, we’re going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called opportunity, and its first chapter is New Year’s Day! Happy Gudi Padwa!
It’s time to bask in the glory of a fresh New Year! Wishing you peace, success and happiness on this new year’s eve! Happy Gudi Padwa to you and your family!
Love, laughter and happiness may all of these be showered upon you this New Year! Wishing you and your entire family a very happy Gudi Padwa!
May you be surrounded with love and warmth. May life take you to new heights and make it a joyful ride worth living! Happy Gudi Padwa to you and your family!
Hope the above Gudi Padwa and Ugadi wishes, help you express your good thoughts to all your near and dear ones.
You will see that WhatsApp and Facebook will be flooded with tonnes of happy Gudi Padwa quotes, so choose a message that is unique and beautiful! May these bright and colourful Gudi Padwa messages lighten up your day with warmth and togetherness!
Happy Gudi Padwa!
Also Read:-
Why Gudipadwa is Celebrated?
How to Celebrate Gudi Padwa With Your Family Read more
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Lessons you Never Knew Kids Can Learn from Block Play
Sometimes we can take simple children's toys and games for granted, not realising that some of them were customised to help your baby grow and learn. Who would have known that playing with toy blocks can actually be a 'building block' to your child's development? Let's have a look at the many areas that are impacted from simply encouraging your child to play with blocks.
Psychologists and researchers have talked a lot about the importance of block play in the development of young children. Time and again, this has been proved beyond doubt. Block play has a valuable contribution in building the cognitive abilities of your child. Exploring blocks enhances their understanding of math, science, language, etc. and is known to develop some other skills as well.
Let's look at these benefits in detail
1. Mathematical Ability
Block building can drastically improve your child's mathematical ability. Since blocks come in various shapes, sizes and colours, they are perfect tools to introduce math to your baby in a fun and interesting way. You can introduce various shapes, teach them which shape has how many sides, and teach them to count the blocks as well.
2. Language Ability
While children are playing with blocks, they encounter new experiences everyday as they keep innovating with the shapes. To develop their language ability, you can introduce a new concept using words that are new to your child. This will help him build his own idea of the new words you use. This helps forming a strong sense of word associations as well.
3. Building Motor Skills
When your kid is learning to build something with blocks, he is lifting his hand, moving around to build that train or castle. While doing so he is not only building his motor skills, his eye and hand co-ordination is also improving to a great extent.
4. Improves Spatial Ability
Building structures out of blocks encourages children to understand spatial relationship as he needs to picture the complete image in his mind. Regular practice of this mental imagery is what improves spatial ability in your child.
5. Improves Creative Thinking Skills
When your child is trying to construct any object, he needs to first see the object and then create a visual image out of that object. This triggers your child’s imagination, making him want to create something. Parents and teachers should always encourage children to add a creative touch to things/objects. Teach a child to see things beyond the obvious and watch their imagination go wild.
6. Enhances Problem Skills
Through block play, your child learns also develops his problem solving ability. When you tell him to build a train, he will start enthusiastically, however somewhere during the process of building the train, he will encounter a challenge and then it’s your job to encourage him to think on his own on ways of resolving that problem. Initially you can suggest a solution. Most kids will either take your suggestion or they will innovate based on it.
Block Play is very beneficial for the overall development of children and should be started as soon as from 6 months of age. Although at this stage you can teach your child colours through block play, it is essential to introduce the concept to really reap its benefits when your child is older. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts I am having vaginal infection from last 2 months my doc have given me antibiotics meds but still I am having it …. 8 months pregnant I am ….is anything I am doing wrong that’s y I am having this infection
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. ok cd. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. Hlo sir / madam
I m 36week 6 days pregnant
My baby’s head doesn’t fix into the pelvis
Lightening or baby dropping not happend
My AFI is 18 (mild polyhydroaminous)
What should I do?? Normal delivery possible?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. your treating doctor will advise accordingly ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Heenuchauhan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
5 hours ago
Q. I got a very pinkish line in t from 2 test which I took after 7 days of missing period am I pregnant?????
Heenuchauhan
Guardian of 2 children
4 hours ago
A. yeah postive
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. hi,
I have done LFT in which SGOT is 58.80 & SGPT is 96.90,
and Bile test is 8.83.
my gyne is suggesting for pre term delivery in 37 weeks.
and other hospital gyne is saying it's normal.
please suggest what should I do, is it matter of concern?
do I have to do early delivery in as per report?
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. It is not a pre-term degree once you enter into your nine months you can deliver any time and it will be a full-time delivery so see if your gynaecologist is suggesting you something go for that because she’s monitored your pregnancy throughout these nine months so I think she would not suggest you anything wrong of going a sec for a second opinion you go for what your gynaecologist suggesting but try going ahead with a normal delivery
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a Newborn child
1 hour ago
Q. y does my baby spit up so much,is it fault of my breast milk
does eating tamird make baby to spit up
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. nothing to do with mothers diet ok. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. difference between lactogen 2&3
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
1 hour ago
A. dear Mum the difference between lactogen 2 and 3 is related to the age
lactogen 2 is for the age group of after 6 months upto 12 months
lactogen 3 is formulated for the age group of after 12 months upto 18 months
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