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Warning-sign checks

Gastroesophageal reflux disease - children: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for serious trouble breathing, blue or gray lips or skin, collapse, reduced responsiveness, or vomiting a large amount of blood.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if a child has:

    • Pain or difficulty swallowing
    • Food that seems to stick
    • Repeated forceful vomiting
    • Green or yellow-green vomit
    • Blood in vomit or black, tar-like stool
    • A swollen or very tender abdomen
    • Signs of dehydration, such as much less urine, dry mouth, or unusual sleepiness
    • Vomiting with fever, severe headache, or marked lethargy
    • New vomiting beginning after 6 months of age or continuing well beyond infancy

    These signs may indicate another condition needing urgent assessment rather than severe GERD.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if symptoms repeatedly cause pain, interrupt sleep, affect eating, or interfere with school or daily activities.

    Babies should be assessed if they seem distressed during feeds, refuse feeds, or are not gaining weight as expected.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gastroesophageal reflux disease - children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.