Chewing on strange objects could make your children prone to serious digestion problems. So can my toddler eat Tums? Are there any side effects of consuming this medicine?
This article will help sway your worry by providing a concise answer to the above questions and equip you with knowledge about some preventive measures.
Keep scrolling down for further information!
What Is Tums?
Tums is an over-the-counter antacid that contains an amount of calcium carbonate
It is recommended by many specialists to be consumed by chewing instead of grinding or swallowing directly.
Its primary ingredient is calcium carbonate, which is functional in treating digestion-related diseases, such as heartburn or acid reflux.
It can do so by neutralizing the stomach acid, creating a harmonious and balanced environment.
Some formulations have added simethicone, which is great for breaking up gas bubbles within the human stomach.
Other ingredients included in this medication are enumerated, like aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, etc.
Tums are pretty sweet. That’s why there are no troubles or difficulty chewing this kind of drug.
Can My Toddler Eat Tums?
Yes. Some adults give their kids Tums to treat digestion problems. Because it has a sweet taste, they no longer struggle to make their children take this drug.
But don’t give them too much.
A moderate intake of this drug doesn’t cause any problems, as there are no harmful side effects with antacids.
Remember to feed your child with some water when he or she is chewing on this tablet.
Yet, suppose your little one ingests a greater dosage of Tums without your permission; its digestive system will be harmed, which can even jeopardize their life in the long run.
Too much calcium in their small body can make your child suffer from diarrhea or constipation.
In the long run, your child might lose the ability to gain weight or even face kidney stones.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms When Your Toddler Eats Tums?
A toddler’s stomach is more sensitive than an adult’s, so it will react differently to each ingredient in Tums.
So when taking this drug for the first time, your child cannot avoid some minor upset stomach symptoms, such as vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.
Some are susceptible to calcium toxicity, so many could lose their appetite, have headaches or feel tired and catch a fever.
They are all body reactions, trying to eradicate the suspected toxicity of Tums.
Children also display some signs of nausea due to an excessive amount of calcium. Consuming too much of this kind of medication is conducive to other symptoms as follows:
- Loose stool
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of necessary minerals and water
In the end, numerous long-term effects stemming from the excess calcium could result in the formation of kidney stones, osteoporosis, along with heart attacks.
How To Treat A Toddler Who Ate Tums?
First, you must be patient and stay calm instead of panicking. Losing patience only makes everything worse.
Then, try to take the drug away from your children by using a soft cloth to wipe their mouths.
It is advisable to avoid inducing them to vomit at all costs because they are scared, and this just exacerbates the situation.
If they are drowned in extreme fear, you can give them water or snacks to sway their worry.
Taking them to a hospital seems the last resort. If you cannot take Tums out, a professional doctor will help you by checking your condition first before prescribing fluids and medicines to help.
How To Prevent A Toddler From Eating Tums?
You can apply several methods to prevent your toddlers from ingesting Tums. You are advised to place the drug somewhere out of their vision and reach.
The reason is that a toddler is still in the exploring phase, and tablets of full color will definitely attract their attention.
And because they don’t know about these colorful pills, they just pop them in their mouth and swallow without thinking of serious consequences.
You should also frequently tell your toddlers about the harmful effects of this medication or even stop them from taking the drug by punishing them or using strict discipline.
What Can I Give My 3-Year-Old Child For An Upset Stomach Instead Of Tums?
To relieve uncomfortable feelings rendered by stomach pain, give your toddler much water, which is good at neutralizing the acidic environment.
Another approach is letting them drink some herbal teas. Ginger tea or ginger ale proves their effectiveness in alleviating the signs of vomiting and nausea.
Given the constipation, clear liquids, like apple, pear, and prune juices, are perfect.
If the herbal treatment is ineffective, you may consider using medicines. For instance, the Zoloft drug is recommended for heartburn.
Loperamide should be used to treat diarrhea, and Promethazine is a specialized drug that will help stop vomiting, especially for children with severe symptoms, like throwing up once a week.
Yet, arbitrary drug use is very dangerous. An overdose of medication can put a child’s digestive system in jeopardy.
Hence, you should follow the prescription of a qualified doctor and take your toddler to a hospital for frequent check-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Tums Can A 2 Year Old Have?
Children of 2 years need an antacid tablet twice per day. It would help if you gave them this drug prescription after eating the meal.
For adults, they should take a pill about three times each day to ensure its efficacy.
What Foods Cause Acid Reflux In Toddlers?
Some foods that are conducive to acid reflux should be averted at all costs since they leave much harm to their general health.
These can be listed, including carbonated drinks, spicy foods, peppermint, or pickles.
If your toddler has accidentally swallowed this kind of food, there are some preventive measures for you to consider.
- Pour a small teaspoon of baking soda into water and mix this solution up before giving it to your child.
- Suppose your child is older enough; you can give him or her sugar-free gum to chew. Chewing for about 30 minutes before spitting it out.
- Milk is also a good factor in relieving the symptoms of acid reflux. Feeding your child with a glass of drinking milk is advisable in this case.
What To Do If My Toddler Is Suffering From Digestive Issues?
Apart from the upset stomach and acid reflux presented above, there is a load of digestive diseases that parents should notice, like belly ache, bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance, etc.
The best and safest method is calling for doctors and specialists for help.
They will examine your children’s overall conditions before reaching a conclusion and proposing prescribed remedies.
The Bottom Line
This post has helped you unfold the mystery: Can my toddler eat Tums?
The truth is that Tums does not wreak much havoc on toddlers, but an overdose can lead to serious repercussions mentioned earlier.
Thank you for your genuine support, and have a nice day!
