Teen Heartburn: Understanding GERD in Children and Teens

Heartburn isn’t just an adult concern. In fact, 1 in 4 teenagers experiences gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—a condition that can affect daily life and long-term health.

Here’s what parents and teens need to know about this growing childhood health issue.

A Real Story: Kyla’s Journey With GERD

Since age 6, Kyla Barrett, now 13, experienced severe symptoms that disrupted her daily life.

• Waking up at night with intense burning pain in her chest and stomach
• Episodes of vomiting followed by throat pain
• Symptoms serious enough to require homeschooling

After years of searching for answers—and avoiding an unnecessary surgery—Kyla’s family finally uncovered the cause of her symptoms.

Her story highlights how complex and disruptive GERD can be for young people.

What Is GERD?

GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.

While it’s often associated with adults, it’s becoming increasingly common in children and teens.

Why GERD Is Increasing in Teens

Dr. Ketan Shah, a gastroenterologist, internal medicine and pediatrics at Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California. explains:

“Children and adolescents are increasingly developing conditions previously seen only in adults,” he says. “This is especially true in Western countries – likely because of our poor dietary habits and inadequate physical activity, which lead to increased rates of obesity.”

Dr. Bhavesh B. Shah, (no relation to Dr. Ketan Shah), medical director of interventional gastroenterology at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, California. adds:

“Fast foods, which have high fat content and may be deep-fried, are exactly the types of foods known to trigger GERD,” he says.

How GERD Happens

GERD starts with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—a muscle that acts like a valve between the stomach and esophagus.

When the Valve Doesn’t Work Properly

• It may relax too often
• It may remain partially open

This allows stomach acid to flow обратно into the esophagus, causing irritation.

Common Triggers

• Overeating or obesity
• Spicy or fatty foods
• Caffeine, chocolate, peppermint
• Smoking

Symptoms of GERD in Teens

GERD can show up in different ways, including:

• Heartburn
• Chest or upper abdominal pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Food feeling stuck in the throat

When Acid Reaches Higher

• Sore throat
• Ear or jaw pain
• Laryngitis

Possible Respiratory Effects

• Asthma symptoms
• Pneumonia (from inhaling acid)

Why GERD Can Be Serious

Untreated GERD can lead to long-term complications.

Short-Term Effects

• Persistent discomfort
• Trouble eating or sleeping
• Irritation of the esophagus

Long-Term Risks

• Inflammation and ulcers
• Narrowing of the esophagus
• Barrett’s esophagus (a cancer risk factor)

Dr. Ketan Shah notes:

“Studies have shown that having GERD for an increased duration, or starting at a younger age, are risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.”

He adds:

“We found the risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer is about 30 times higher in children with GERD compared with healthy children,” he says. “This was an alarming and completely unexpected result for us.”

Why Early Detection Matters

GERD can sometimes go unnoticed.

Dr. Ketan Shah explains:

“Children with GERD may represent a majority of this iceberg,” the gastroenterologist says. “We should try [harder] to prevent and treat GERD in youth, and also to screen more young adults with chronic GERD for Barrett’s esophagus.”

How GERD Is Treated

Treatment for teens focuses on lifestyle changes and, when needed, medication.

Lifestyle Changes

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid trigger foods:
  • Fatty or fried foods
  • Spicy foods
  • Caffeine, peppermint, chocolate
• Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime
• Exercise moderately
• Get enough sleep

Medications

Doctors may recommend:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• H2 blockers

These medications help reduce stomach acid production.

Why Managing GERD Can Be Challenging for Teens

Adapting to lifestyle changes isn’t always easy for teenagers.

Dr. Namita Singh, Kyla’s doctor and a pediatric gastroenterologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, explains:

“Teenagers with GERD need to manage their lifestyle – which can be more difficult for this group, especially as it can be more difficult for them to comprehend long-term outcomes and consequences,” says Namita Singh, MD.

She adds:

“They may need to change their diet, which makes it difficult as eating is very much a social activity,” Dr. Singh says.

Common Challenges Teens Face

• Social pressure around food choices
• Late-night eating habits
• Busy schedules and lack of sleep
• Sports activities that may worsen symptoms

Dr. Singh notes:

“Sleep is so important for overall health, and we know that teenagers need more sleep than adults,” she says. “Getting enough sleep can difficult in this day and age, as teens are busy with school activities, as well as consumed by phones and devices.”

Tips for Active Teens With GERD

Teens can still stay active with a few adjustments:

• Exercise on an empty stomach
• Avoid high-impact, bouncing movements
• Take medications before activity (as directed)

Kyla’s Progress Today

Kyla now attends public school and continues managing her condition with care.

Her Daily Approach

• Avoids trigger foods like tomato sauce and orange juice
• Eats lightly before bedtime (such as saltines)
• Uses over-the-counter medication
• Focuses on reducing stress

She shares:

“it’s always there – you feel this dull pain in your stomach, but you can’t get rid of it,” she says. “Every day, I have a little pain in my stomach.”

A Positive Trend: Health-Conscious Teens

Despite challenges, there’s encouraging news.

Dr. Ketan Shah observes:

“Recently, I’m seeing a new wave of more health-conscious teens,” he says. “They’re the new social leaders, the ‘cool kids.’ I find this very exciting, since the power of peer pressure, which is the strongest in teens, is leading to a health revolution.”

Supporting Teens With GERD

With the right support, education, and care, teens with GERD can successfully manage their symptoms and protect their long-term health.

Creating healthy habits early can make a lasting difference—for both comfort today and well-being in the future.