Help Children Understand Heartburn

The “Merriam Webster Online Dictionary” defines heartburn as: “a burning discomfort behind the lower part of the sternum due especially to spasmodic reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.”

An adult may understand that, but how do you help children understand heartburn?

Heartburn Balloons

Heartburn can be explained to children with “heartburn balloons”. This experiment is messy, so you will probably want to do it outdoors.

It is helpful, both before and after doing this experiment, to show children a diagram of the stomach and esophagus. Point out that the stomach is not entirely upright.

Materials needed:

* 1 balloon for each child - about stomach size
* 1 big straw for each child - large diameter, esophagus length
* Plenty of water

Heartburn Experiment:

Explain to children that the balloon represents a stomach. The straw represents the esophagus - the pipe that carries food to the stomach.

Have children insert one end of their straws into the heartburn balloon and hold the connecting point with the fingers. Point out that their fingers are like the ring of muscle between the stomach and esophagus.

Children can pinch the connection to feel how the muscle closes the door between the esophagus and stomach. Remind children to hold the balloon in the position of the stomach rather than vertically.

Now pour water into the heartburn balloon through the straw. As water is poured, have children pinch the connection periodically to see how it keeps food and drink from entering the stomach. Fill the balloon full with water.

Show how heartburn occurs by squeezing the balloons lightly, causing water to go up into the straws. Encourage children to squeeze the connection tightly, and then press the balloon. They should see how a tight connection keeps the water in the balloon.

Children and Heartburn

Children, and even infants, do experience heartburn. Some parents believe it is colic in a baby. Doctors often agree, but if it is ongoing, and involves hours of incessant crying, vomiting, and loud burping, you should ask your physician to re-think the colic issue.

The author is not a licensed professional, and the heartburn informational given here is for educational purposes only.