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At this age, parents may not know how teenagers are feeling. Although teenagers have the language skills to describe their symptoms, they do not necessarily want their parents to know about them. Teenagers may feel embarrassed about some of their symptoms. Or, they may want to try to deal with it on their own. Your teenager still needs your help to notice when something is wrong.
You can help by observing his or her symptoms and describing them to the healthcare provider. Encourage your daughter or son to be actively involved in the discussion with your healthcare provider. By listening to both of you, your healthcare provider will be able to tell whether your child's symptoms may be GERD (also called acid reflux disease).
How does GERD happen? When stomach acid goes too many times where it should not be—into the esophagus—it can cause irritation. That irritation can lead to symptoms of GERD.
You can help by observing his or her symptoms and describing them to the healthcare provider. Encourage your daughter or son to be actively involved in the discussion with your healthcare provider. By listening to both of you, your healthcare provider will be able to tell whether your child's symptoms may be GERD (also called acid reflux disease).
How does GERD happen? When stomach acid goes too many times where it should not be—into the esophagus—it can cause irritation. That irritation can lead to symptoms of GERD.
Does your child have any of these symptoms related to GERD?
- Feeling queasy and/or throwing up
- Regurgitating (bringing up sour fluid into the mouth)
- Burping/belching
- Wheezing
- Stomachaches
- Trouble swallowing
- Heartburn or pain in chest
- Weight loss
- A hoarse voice
Treatment for GERD can bring relief.
If your child is diagnosed with GERD, there are many things that can help, including prescription medicine such as Prevacid. Some of the changes your healthcare provider may recommend include the ones listed below. (Don't make any of these changes without talking with your healthcare provider first.)Changes in your child's diet
Even small changes to your child's diet can make a real difference. Remember, only your healthcare provider can diagnose GERD. Be sure to check with him or her before changing your child's daily routine. Your healthcare provider may suggest that you try these steps:- Avoid food and drinks that may trigger symptoms. Such foods might include chocolate, spicy foods, acidic foods (such as orange juice and tomato sauce), and drinks that contain caffeine (such as coffee, tea, and colas).
- If your child is overweight, help him or her lose weight.
- Try not to eat meals or snacks within 2 to 3 hours of bedtime.
Sleeping position
The healthcare provider may recommend that your child change his or her sleeping position. For example, your healthcare provider may suggest that you- Have your child sleep on his or her left side.
- Raise the head of your child's bed so that it is higher than the foot.
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.