Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
in Branford & Oxford, CT

If you’ve ever experienced heartburn after eating, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Now imagine if you felt that same feeling multiple times per week, no matter what foods you ate. That’s what it’s like for children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition can lead to challenges with getting enough nutrients to support your child’s growing body, dental health issues, and behavioral challenges. Keep reading to learn more about GERD and find out how our expert pediatric therapists at More to Say can help your child find relief and enjoy mealtimes again.

What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that causes the chronic reflux  of stomach contents into the esophagus. The term comes from gastro- which means “relating to the stomach,” esophageal which means “relating to the esophagus,” and reflux which means “the wrong-way (or backwards) flow of a fluid in the body.” Essentially, it means that stomach acid is flowing up through the throat. 

Many people experience this with heartburn after eating. But with GERD, it is a chronic condition and not a result of something you ate. This condition can cause discomfort and inflammation of the esophagus and lead to pain and difficulty swallowing.

What Causes GERD?

There is a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is essentially a door between your esophagus and your stomach. The LES is supposed to open to allow food into the stomach, then close to keep the food in for digestion. 

Sometimes, it can open up at the wrong time (or for too long) and cause acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. If the LES muscle is weak, this can happen often. If it persists for long enough, it’s considered a chronic condition, at which point we call it GERD instead of simply acid reflux.

Common Signs and Symptoms of GERD

The most common symptoms of GERD include:

  • Frequent spitting up, gagging, or vomiting
  • Irritability during or after feeding
  • Refusal to eat or feeding aversion
  • Arching of the back during or after feeding
  • Poor weight gain or failure to thrive
  • Frequent illness like colds or sore throats
  • Wheezing or coughing
  • Tooth decay or loss of tooth enamel

How Pediatric Therapy Helps Children with GERD

At More to Say, we use a family-centered approach to ensure children receive the best treatment. After your child’s comprehensive evaluation, our pediatric therapists will create a personalized plan designed to address your child’s unique needs. Through specific mealtime adjustments including position, timing, etc., we can help them manage the symptoms associated with GERD. Additionally, we work closely with gastroenterologists to ensure your child has the most comprehensive, supportive plan in place.

Our goal is to support your child’s healthy development through fun, engaging, and proven therapy methods. To support that goal, we take a holistic viewpoint to ensure your child’s treatment aligns with their needs, interests, and family life. Our distinctive approach motivates children and makes them excited to participate in therapy, which is why our families love the More to Say Way!

Schedule an Evaluation Today

If your child is struggling with GERD or any other feeding challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out for an evaluation. Give us a call at (203) 828-6790 to experience pediatric therapy the More to Say way, and let’s work together to empower your child to live a happy, fulfilling life.

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Call (203) 828-6790

Oxford, CT Office:

Office Hours:

  • Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
    Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Branford, CT Office:

Office Hours:

  • Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed
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