Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease -- Infant
(GERD—Infant; Chronic Heartburn—Infant; Reflux Esophagitis—Infant; Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease—Infant; GORD—Infant; Heartburn—Infant; Reflux—Infant)
|Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease|
|Food and acid back up into the esophagus from the stomach.|
|Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.|
- Problems with the nerves that make the valve open or close
- Increased pressure in the stomach such as too much food in the stomach or pressure on the abdomen
- Irritation in the stomach or muscles of the valve
- Problem with the valve itself
- Spitting up or vomiting
- Not growing or gaining weight
- Refusal to feed or difficulty feeding
- Irritability or fussiness during or after feeding
- Arching of back or other movements during or after feeding
- Regurgitation or bloody vomit
- Breathing problems
- Difficulty swallowing
- Frequent pneumonia or respiratory problems
- Apnea or blue skin when not enough blood gets to the lungs
- Cough or wheezing
- Disturbed sleep
- Excessive crying
- 24-hour pH monitoring—a probe is placed in the esophagus to keep track of the acid in the lower esophagus
- Short trial of medicine—success or failure of medication may help your doctor understand the cause
- Try a hypoallergenic formula for one to two weeks. This formula has removed items linked with common allergic reactions.
- Provide small, frequent feedings
- Thicken your baby’s formula or milk. Use rice, cereal or another thickening agent.
- Use a different pre-thickened formula.
- Burp your baby more often. For example, burp your baby every one to two hours after being fed.
- Make sure your baby is in an upright position during feeding. Keep your baby upright for 30 minutes after being fed.
- Keep a diary of your baby's symptoms.
- Ask your doctor about sleeping positions. These positions depend on your baby's age. Young babies should always be placed on their back because of the risk of sudden infant death syndrome .
- Keep your baby away from second-hand smoke.
- Histamine-2 receptor drugs—to decrease acid production and promote healing
- Proton pump inhibitors—also decreases acid production and promote healing
- Following lifestyle and dietary changes
- Keeping your baby away from second-hand smoke
- Keeping a diary of your baby's symptoms
North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition http://cdhnf.org
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov
About Kids Health http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation http://www.cdhf.ca
Gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated June 22, 2012. Accessed May 10, 2013.
Gastroesophageal reflux in infants. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerdinfant/index.htm . Updated February 21, 2012. Accessed May 10, 2013.
Pediatric GE reflux clinical practice guidelines. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2001;32:S1-S31.
1/6/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Orenstein SR, McGowan JD. Efficacy of conservative therapy as taught in the primary care setting for symptoms suggesting infant gastroesophageal reflux. J Pediatr. 2008;152:310-314. Epub 2007 Nov 7.
- Reviewer: Michael Woods
- Review Date: 05/2013 -
- Update Date: 05/10/2013 -