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Tests healthcare providers use to diagnose GERD
It may be possible for your healthcare provider to diagnose GERD (acid reflux disease) based just on a physical examination and the information you provide. That is why it is so important to talk with the healthcare provider about all your child's symptoms. Sometimes, diagnostic tests may also be needed. These tests can check your child's esophagus, stomach, and small intestine to see if there are problems.- Barium swallow radiograph (also called an upper GI series) — The child is given a small amount of special liquid to drink, and then x-rays are taken. The liquid allows the healthcare provider to see the outline of the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. The upper GI series can help spot problems with the shape or size of the esophagus. However, this test cannot be used on its own to diagnose GERD.
- Endoscopy — This test looks for damage to the esophagus that may be caused by stomach acid. Your child receives anesthesia (medicine that puts him or her to sleep for a short time). The healthcare provider slides a thin, flexible plastic tube down into the child's esophagus. A tiny camera on the end of the tube allows the healthcare provider to look closely at the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine to check for any signs of damage from the stomach acid or other problems. This test can be used to diagnose GERD.
- Esophageal pH monitoring — This test measures the acid levels in the esophagus and shows when acid reflux occurs. One common pH monitoring test is called a pH probe. The healthcare provider places a thin flexible tube through a child's nose down into the esophagus with the tip just above the stomach. The other end of the tube (the probe) is connected to a recording device that monitors the acid levels. The tube stays in for about 24 hours. This test helps to diagnose GERD but cannot tell whether the esophagus has been damaged.
For parents of children scheduled to have an endoscopy
Download this free booklet, My Endoscopy Story by Jack. Jack and his big sister, Emily, explain what happened when Jack had his endoscopy. The booklet is filled with useful pictures and fun facts about the digestive system.For parents of children scheduled to have a pH probe test
Download our free booklet, Korky the Kangaroo Has a pH Probe. Designed as an interactive, read-aloud booklet, your child can learn from Korky what to expect.
Once-daily prescription Prevacid is approved for GERD in children aged 1-17 years. Individual results may vary.
Important Safety Information
Prevacid Capsules and Prevacid SoluTab (lansoprazole) Orally Disintegrating Tablets are not for everyone. Your child should not take Prevacid if they are allergic to Prevacid or any of its ingredients. Prevacid has a low occurrence of side effects in adults and children. The most frequently reported adverse events in patients aged 1 to 11 years were constipation (5%) and headache (3%). In patients aged 12 to 17 years, the most frequently reported adverse events were headache (7%), abdominal pain (5%), nausea (3%), and dizziness (3%). The adverse event profile in children and adolescents resembled that of adults taking Prevacid, where the most common adverse events were diarrhea (3.8%), abdominal pain (2.1%) and nausea (1.3%). Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions. Before using Prevacid, tell your child’s doctor if they are taking ampicillin, atazanavir, digoxin, iron, ketoconazole, theophylline, tacrolimus or warfarin. If your child is taking Prevacid with warfarin, they may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur.
Please see the accompanying complete prescribing information for Prevacid and talk with your child’s healthcare provider.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Important Safety Information
Prevacid Capsules and Prevacid SoluTab (lansoprazole) Orally Disintegrating Tablets are not for everyone. Your child should not take Prevacid if they are allergic to Prevacid or any of its ingredients. Prevacid has a low occurrence of side effects in adults and children. The most frequently reported adverse events in patients aged 1 to 11 years were constipation (5%) and headache (3%). In patients aged 12 to 17 years, the most frequently reported adverse events were headache (7%), abdominal pain (5%), nausea (3%), and dizziness (3%). The adverse event profile in children and adolescents resembled that of adults taking Prevacid, where the most common adverse events were diarrhea (3.8%), abdominal pain (2.1%) and nausea (1.3%). Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions. Before using Prevacid, tell your child’s doctor if they are taking ampicillin, atazanavir, digoxin, iron, ketoconazole, theophylline, tacrolimus or warfarin. If your child is taking Prevacid with warfarin, they may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur.
Please see the accompanying complete prescribing information for Prevacid and talk with your child’s healthcare provider.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
©2009 Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.Prevacid® is a registered trademark of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and is used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.