12 – 17 Years Old

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.

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

Every teenager is unique. Each may experience GERD a little differently. If your child is having one or more of the symptoms above, be sure to tell the healthcare provider. You can use the GERD diary to keep track of the symptoms.

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.

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.