Older children can experience reflux much like adults do, though they don't always describe it the same way — a young child might complain of a "tummy ache" or refuse foods rather than describing heartburn specifically. Signs worth paying attention to include frequent complaints of chest or stomach discomfort, a sour taste or bad breath with no other cause, difficulty or reluctance swallowing certain foods, a chronic cough or hoarse voice, or reflux symptoms that interfere with sleep or eating enough to affect growth. Occasional, mild symptoms after a large meal usually don't need medical attention. What does warrant a pediatrician's evaluation: symptoms that are frequent (more than once or twice a week), that persist over several weeks, that affect weight gain or eating enough to cause concern, or that come with difficulty swallowing or vomiting. As with adults, a pattern that's frequent and persistent is more meaningful than a single episode.
