Reflux
Baby reflux, medically known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common condition in babies where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and sometimes spitting up. While nearly all babies will have an episode of spit up at some stage, reflux can still pose many challenges for both babies and parents. Babies with reflux symptoms that are painful and persistent could be experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can cause feeding difficulties, sleep disturbances, and irritability, making parenting even more challenging. Addressing these challenges often requires careful management, adjustments in feeding techniques, and, in some cases, medical intervention to ensure your baby's well-being.
Although spitting up is common in babies, pain and discomfort are never normal. Learn about the differences between GER and GERD and what it means for your baby.
Some symptoms of reflux are more obvious than others. Symptoms of GERD can sometimes be deceiving or easily mistaken for other conditions.
How is GERD diagnosed? Distinguish between mild and moderate/severe symptoms, learn about what constitutes 'silent reflux' and explore diagnostic procedures.
A Brief Resolved Unexplained Event can be very frightening to witness. Learn more about what happens during a BRUE and how they may connect to reflux.
Sandifer Syndrome is one possible manifestation of severe, uncontrolled reflux disease in babies and young children. It is characterized by unusual movements of the head, neck and back and can sometimes resemble seizures or infantile spasms.
Why do babies and young children get reflux? Here are some of the most common root causes.
How are dosages for proton pump inhibitors calculated, and why is there sometimes such a discrepancy between prescribers?
"Pediatric Patients have Shorter Lansoprazole Half Life than Previously Reported." American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2007
What are H2 blocker medicines? When any why are medicines like famotidine/Pepcid prescribed? When are they effective and what are the downsides?
Is your baby waking up at the same time every night? Are symptoms well managed during the day, but flare up in the early morning hours?
What's the difference between spit up and vomiting? What causes it? What's normal, and when to worry?
Why is your baby so gassy? Could it be reflux? a CMPA? or something else entirely? Review the most common contributors and the link between reflux and excess gas.
Why do some babies experience a worsening of symptoms when starting a PPI medicine?
If reflux causes feeding to become painful your baby may develop negative associations with eating. Feeding refusal can lead to faltering growth and failure to thrive.