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GERD happens when acid goes too many times where it doesn't belong.

GERD is also called acid reflux disease.

In GERD, acid from the stomach sneaks up (or refluxes) into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Everyone has some acid reflux once in a while. But when reflux happens too often, it can cause irritation. This can lead to frequent painful symptoms, such as stomachaches, heartburn or pain in the chest, burping, feeling queasy, and vomiting.

GERD is caused by a valve that doesn't close quite right.

At the lower end of the esophagus, right before the stomach, there is a valve. Sometimes the valve does not close as tightly as it should. Or, it relaxes too often. This can cause stomach acid to get into the esophagus.

GERD is painful—and can be serious.

When acid gets into the esophagus over and over again, it can cause serious health problems. One problem is erosive esophagitis. This is a serious condition in which areas of the esophagus are inflamed and worn away.

Stomach acid can also travel to the nose, windpipes, and even lungs. In children, GERD has been associated with a variety of respiratory conditions, such as cough, bronchitis, asthma, hoarseness, pneumonia, and ear infections (with fluid drainage). When it is very severe, GERD can even lead to malnutrition. Children may not be able to grow and gain weight as quickly as expected for their age. That is why it's so important to discuss your child's symptoms with the healthcare provider as soon as possible. GERD can be treated. Your child can feel better—and then, so can you.

Talking with your child's healthcare provider is an important step toward helping your child feel better. To find out if your child has GERD, the healthcare provider will ask you to describe his or her symptoms as clearly as possible. The healthcare provider may perform additional tests to help make the diagnosis.

IMPORTANT SAFETY AND OTHER INFORMATION:
Prescription Prevacid is approved for GERD in children aged 1–17 years. Individual results may vary. Prevacid Capsules and Prevacid® SoluTab™ (lansoprazole) Orally Disintegrating Tablets may not be right for everyone. Prevacid has a low occurrence of side effects in adults and children including diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, constipation, and headache. Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions. For further information, talk with your child's healthcare provider and click here for complete Prevacid prescribing information.