Is it true or just plain misconception that acid reflux affects only stressed out adults and not youngsters?

Studies show that the above statement is just a misconception, and that more than 5% of youngsters in the age bracket of 10 to 17 years suffer from acid reflux. And the figure continues to increase in the age bracket of 18-25 years.

The ‘Ashlee Simpson incident’

Doctors knew all along that kids too can suffer from acid reflux, but the general public became aware of this fact only when pop star Ashlee Simpson was reported to be suffering from acid reflux. While performing on Saturday Night Live in October 2004, her condition became so bad that she had to lip-sync her own song on live TV. Ashlee’s representatives claimed that acid reflux had caused damage to her vocal cards. She was all of twenty years old at the time.

While Simpson’s detractors naturally rebuked the claim and said that this was just an excuse, the incident drove home one important message: acid reflux doesn’t discriminate, at least not on the basis of age, and strikes youngsters and adults alike.

What causes acid reflux in young adults?

Research points out that the exact cause of acid reflux is not the same for everyone. Generally, in young adults, the cause of acid reflux is not based on some physical conditions such as  a poorly functioning stomach valve or hiatal hernia.

Some causes of acid reflux in youngsters are:

  • Allergies
  • Chronic ear infections
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Poor diet
  • Excessive exercise or lack of exercise
  • Digestive problems
  • Obesity

The condition of acid reflux can be controlled and treated. The key is to recognize the condition before it is too late. If you are careless in recognizing the condition, acid reflux can cause permanent damage to your esophagus and may also lead to other serious ailments such as respiratory problems.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

To recognize the condition, you need to be aware of its symptoms. It is a cause of worry if your kid shows any of the following early symptoms of acid reflux:

  • Pain or burning sensation in the chest
  • Problem in swallowing food
  • Regurgitation of gastric acid
  • Vomiting

Acid Reflux and natural health remedies

Acid reflux is one of many health conditions that can often be effectively managed using natural health remedies. A balanced diet and regular exercise are two natural remedies that help not only in curbing the pain and symptoms of acid reflux, but also in dealing with the underlying causes of the condition.

If you wish to know more about how to help deal with acid reflux naturally, refer to our guide on Acid Reflux.

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