Kids having an upset stomach and acid reflux can cause the parents to worry, and they might consider giving their kids tums tablets. Not only is this irresponsible but also a little unsafe since Tums can cause headaches and weakness. While some Tums have been deemed safe for kids by medical professionals, no child under the age of 2 should take Tums without a prescription.
Tums may help relieve acid reflux and stomach aches in adults, but they are not recommended for children under the age of 6. Tums contain calcium carbonate and are not labeled to be used for children. If confused, you can always look at the label since it clearly states that Tums are not to be given to kids under the age of 6.
Is It Safe for Kids to Take Tums?
Tums is a popular antacid used to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. However, it should not be considered a comprehensive solution for stomach problems and is not recommended for any chronic conditions. The use of Tums for children depends on various factors, including age, diet restrictions, and other qualifications. The majority of Tums tablets only have 400 mg of elemental calcium and 400 mg of salt, with calcium carbonate serving as the active component at a dosage of 1000 mg.
While calcium carbonate is generally considered safe, some individuals may experience constipation as a side effect. Excessive antacid consumption can be harmful to both adults and children, and it is not advised to give Tums to young children without proper medical guidance. There are special Tums products designed for children that have lower doses, making them more appropriate for younger ages. However, it is still crucial to read the usage instructions carefully and consult with a doctor if necessary.
Reasons for Children to Take Tums
Tums are used to treat a number of problems. Generally, Tums are used for esophagitis, any stomach pain, slight heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and acid reflux. Although stomach pains caused by gas are Tums’ primary purpose, the medication has many additional health advantages.
Due to the production of stomach acid, kids, especially toddlers, frequently experience stomach aches, heartburn, or gastrointestinal problems. Children struggle to categorize symptoms and may label all other symptoms as “stomach pain.” As a result, children are frequently given Tums for gastrointestinal problems.
Side Effects of Using Tums for Children
Using too many Tums can be harmful to both kids and adults.
In case the child has another medical condition, using Tums without proper medical guidance should be avoided at all costs. The calcium carbonate in Tums can have an effect on the absorption of other ingredients in medicines. Again, calcium carbonate can make renal problems severe if the child has had any history of them. It is widely known to make kidney conditions worse. Additionally, it can cause babies to become constipated.
Children who use too many Tums may experience excessive burping and certain allergy problems.
Diarrhea, acid indigestion, irregular bowel movements, lactose intolerance, bloating, appetite issues, and metabolic acidosis are some of the negative effects. Additionally, it may hinder a child’s ability to absorb nutrients.
What Are the Alternatives of Tums to Use for Children
Prior to giving your child medicine, you must be sure that they are truly ill. Children may make up an illness for a variety of reasons, including to get out of doing their chores or schoolwork or for attention. These demands can be satisfied by feigning illness. It’s crucial to keep an eye out for further symptoms to be sure your child’s condition is real.
There are both internal and exterior symptoms of sickness. When a youngster is unwell, they often don’t act very energetically or actively. The signs of stomach ache can be in the form of diarrhea, puking, or a sudden lack of appetite.
Placebo
Consider giving your child a placebo if you feel he or she is not actually ill. Your youngster will feel better without having to take any unneeded medications. Multivitamins or vitamin C pills can act as a placebo. If your child can read, you will have to be more creative in how you cover up the placebo.
Put it in a medicine container, or choose one made just for kids to use as a placebo. However, sugar tablets should be prevented, as large amounts of sugar are not good for the child’s health.
For Heartburn
Heartburn can often be a mild form of acid reflux; however, when it becomes a persistent issue, it is typically classified as acid reflux. Although, not all instances of heartburn are deemed as acid reflux. Here are some popular home remedies that can provide temporary relief for heartburn: Aloe juice, sugar-free gum, bananas, avoiding high-acid content foods like tomatoes, and eating oatmeal.
Even though drinking milk is often suggested to alleviate heartburn, the high-fat content may actually exacerbate the condition over time. As an alternative, you can try having oatmeal with sliced bananas and a glass of Aloe juice for a more effective solution. You can try giving your kid some sugar-free gum or even a glass of water with a little baking soda, but no more than one teaspoon.
For Breathing Air
Children who breathe excessively quickly, such as those who are concerned over something, may suffocate. Children that are afraid also breathe more quickly. Children who chew bubblegum more often are also more prone than other children to swallow air. Teach your kids breathing exercises they can use when they’re stressed, anxious, or afraid. It’s necessary to get rid of the gum if your child chews it. Gum is harmful to the teeth anyways, so this will be an added bonus.
For Bloating
Most kids experience stomach aches because of bloating. Since many of them don’t know what bloating even is, they might just say that their stomach hurts. To deal with bloating, the best way is to figure out what is causing the bloating. If it is food, then stop giving it. If it is because of certain prescription drugs, look for other alternatives.
For Constipation
Constipation is a problem that can result in bloating and abdominal discomfort. For parents, it can be challenging to determine if their child is suffering from constipation, especially when they have started using the bathroom independently. To verify if your child is constipated, you should have a thorough talk with them. Ask them if they’ve pooped in a while and discuss the normal operation of healthy bowel motions. It’s rare that younger children will remember to let you know about this conversation, despite how crucial it is. Asking your child if they’ve pooped each night is also a good way to know if something is wrong.
The key to relieving constipation lies in modifying one’s diet. Over-the-counter laxatives can provide temporary relief, but it’s crucial to make long-term dietary changes to prevent chronic constipation. In order to alleviate constipation, it is crucial for individuals to adopt changes in their diet that focus on enhancing fiber and water consumption. Lack of proper hydration can also contribute to this digestive issue, just as a diet that is deficient in essential nutrients can result in constipation. It’s crucial to include leafy greens in the child’s diet, like broccoli or lettuce, to prevent these issues. Fruits and water keep the kids healthy and provide stomach relief andb the necessary hydration.
For Lactose Intolerance
Bloating, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea can often be attributed to lactose intolerance. Children who like to consume milk or other products that contain lactose may have stomach discomfort due to lactose intolerance.
When a youngster consumes milk, it is possible that the signs and symptoms do not appear for a few hours. Therefore it is suggested that when your child faces any dietary or stomach problems, you call their pediatrician to confirm that it’s nothing serious. A breath test may be used in some offices to identify a child’s lactose intolerance.
If at all feasible, remove lactose from their diet. Although lactose is a common ingredient in milk, there are some lactose-free choices, like soy or almond milk.
For Gas
Gas, surprisingly, is experienced by both children and adults. In most cases, children tend to express discomfort by simply saying that their stomach hurts. The cause of gas in children may vary, and finding the cause of the problem is necessary.. Some medical conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), constipation, lactose intolerance, antibiotics side effects, celiac disease, and gastrointestinal diseases can lead to chronic gas. If the child is experiencing constant gas, it is recommended to consult with a pediatrician to check for underlying medical conditions.
However, in most cases, chronic gas is due to the child’s diet. Children may be more sensitive to certain foods, which we may not realize contribute to the gas. Foods high in fiber, such as beans, carbonated drinks, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, apples, bananas, peaches, pears, oranges, and dried fruit can cause gas. To determine the cause of gas, eliminate one food from the child’s diet at a time and observe the changes for 3-5 days. This process can be time-consuming, but it is important to find the underlying cause. While determining the cause, it is helpful to have medication available to provide relief.
For Diarrhea
If your child is suffering from diarrhea, stick to the BRAT diet, i.e., bananas, rice, apple sauce, and tea. Simply put, give your child bland foods when they have diarrhea to prevent more stomach problems. You can also give them crackers, like saltines, since your child’s body requires salt to prevent electrolyte loss.
Remember to consult your doctor if your child’s diarrhea lasts longer than 24-48 hours or if it is extreme.
For Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a fairly common condition that affects many individuals, especially young children. It is caused by the excess acid in the stomach and can cause discomfort and pain. To avoid the need for medication, it is essential to understand the possible causes and natural solutions for acid reflux.
Stress and anxiety are some of the underlying causes of acid reflux. Obesity or even a prescription drug can also contribute to the condition. Laying down or sleeping after meals, large meals, and eating certain foods like raw onions, garlic, spicy foods, chocolate, citrus fruits, caffeine, peppermint, and coffee can trigger acid reflux.
To combat acid reflux, children can try different exercises to relieve stress, such as yoga. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can also help them manage anxiety. Waiting an hour or so after eating before lying down can significantly reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Additionally, a balanced diet with fewer acidic foods can also help prevent the condition.
In conclusion, acid reflux is a prevalent condition that can induce irritation and discomfort. By understanding the possible causes and finding natural solutions like stress management, diet changes, and posture changes, parents can help their children manage the symptoms of acid reflux without the need for medication.
Can Tums Hurt a Child?
If it is just a one-time thing, then it is not so much of a worry. It can provide gas relief. However, how many tums can a child eat is the real question. If your child eats too many tums, it can cause a sour stomach, acid indigestion, and gas bubbles, and they could even experience heartburn. Most pediatricians suggest that most antacids should not be given to children in age groups of 1-6.
At What Age a Child Can Take Tums?
It is crucial to seek medical advice from a pediatrician before administering Tums to children. This medication may seem like an easy solution for multiple symptoms, but it can cause serious adverse reactions in babies. In fact, the universal rule is to prevent the use of Tums or any other powerful antacids until the child reaches the age of 12.
For children over the age of 12, the use of Tums is only allowed if a doctor has prescribed it. Additionally, Tums Kids is available for children under the age of 12, providing a safer alternative to the adult version of the medication. It is important to note that the well-being of children should always come first, and proper medical guidance should always be sought before taking any medications.
Bottom Line
Eating tums can be good for an upset stomach or acid indigestion in adults, but kids should not take tums because they can upset their stomach and even cause some dietary issues. Tums should only be taken in a dose prescribed by a doctor. There are other medications available that can provide fast relief to many issues and are safer for kids; however, one should always consult a doctor before giving any medicines to kids, whether tums, tums kids, or any other drugs.
