Information on Acid Reflux in infants and children


Here are some notes to help if you are just starting out with reflux. Reflux, I have found, is a crazy rollercoaster ride with many ups and downs.


If you are unsure if your child has acid reflux here are some SYMPTOMS to check for. If you think your child has reflux, please schedule an appt with the pediatrician to disscuss.

Acid Reflux (GERD) can be difficult to deal with. Here are some tips to help your refluxer:


 ·Keep the baby upright for at least 30-45 mins after feeding.

·Elevate the head of the bed to a 30 degree angle. This helps to minimize the night refluxing and aspiration. This can be achieved in a variety of ways. You can put the head of the mattress on the top rung of the crib and the bottom of the mattress on the bottom rung. You can also put a pillow under the crib mattress. You can also put something stable under the legs of the crib, bed or bassinet.

·Most refluxers sleep better on their tummy. (discuss with your pediatrician about possible increase risk of SIDS)

·Thickening of feeding has been recommended for years for reflux in infants. This can be achieved by adding infant cereal to breast-milk or formula. The typical amount is between 1 and 3 tsp per ounce of formula or breast milk. Rice cereal is the most common one used, but can cause consipation. Oatmeal or Barley can be substituted. Also--if you are using powdered formula, try switching to a thicker variety--concentrate or ready to feed (RTF).

·Try feeding in lesser amounts, but more often.

·Avoid tight or constricting clothing.

·Eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke. Info on secondhand smoke

·Avoid laying the child flat as much as possible.

·Talk to your pediatrician about trying Mylanta or Maalox. (Children's Mylanta is not good for refluxers as it contains calcium which will aggravate reflux and it is designed for occasional upset stomach not for daily use

· Dr. Brown bottles are recommended my many mom's



Your dr may prescribe your child some medication or request some testing be done.
MEDICATION TESTING



Allergies can often play a role in aggervating reflux. Here's a case study done a while back http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press/1995/NOVEMBER/199514.HTM and a little more information http://groups.msn.com/GastricRefluxSupportforInfantsandChildren/allergiesandintolerances.msnw.

Formula can play a big role if allgeries are an issue. Usually one will go thru formulas on a trial and error basis. Starting with the regular formula's Enfimil and Similac. Then on to Soy formula or Nestle Good Start (as it has protein partially broken down for easy digestion). Then onto pre-digested hyper-allerginic formula like: Alimentum or Nutramigen (contains corn), which both are hydrolized casein-based. And lastly Elecare or Neocate - a true hyper-allergenic formula which are completely amino-acid based and contains no milk derivatives (these two are usually a last resort due to them being the most costly and the worst tasting formulas). Here is another link as well on infant formula's: http://www.infantreflux.org/Formulas.htm


******If you are not getting adequate support from your pediatrician please ask (or demand) a refferal to a pediatric GI specialist. They are much more knowledgable about infant reflux than your average pediatrican as they specialize in it and deal with it every day.
If you need help in locating a pediatric GI specialiast CLICK HERE***********


Additionally, here are some links I've complied with further information:

HELPFUL LINKS




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DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE YOUR PHYSICIAN. IT IS INTENDED ONLY TO HELP PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION FOR SUPPORT, FROM ONE PARENT TO ANOTHER. ALWAYS DISCUSS WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.