Infant reflux

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider can identify GERD by a variety of tests. To make a diagnosis, they will occasionally request multiple tests. Typical tests include.

• Physical examination: The healthcare provider will conduct an assessment and ask about the infant’s symptoms. If the infant is growing normally and is healthy, then no further testing will be needed. However, if the symptoms do not improve with feeding changes and reflux medications, the infant may require further testing.
• Imaging test:
  • Ultrasound: Pyloric stenosis can be found using this imaging test.
  • X-rays: These scans can identify issues with the digestive system, like a blockage. Before the test, the infant will be given barium, a bottle of a contrast liquid.
• Laboratory tests: Recurring vomiting and poor weight gain can be investigated through blood and urine tests to identify or eliminate potential causes.
• Esophageal pH monitoring: To measure the acidity levels in a baby’s esophagus, a thin tube will be inserted through the nose or mouth and into the esophagus, and it will be attached to a device that monitors acidity. The baby may need to stay in the hospital while being monitored. The tube will measure the amount of acid or liquid in the esophagus and will be attached to a monitor that records the measurements. This process will take 24 hours, during which the baby will wear the device while in the hospital.
• Upper endoscopy: An endoscopy is a medical procedure that involves using a tube with a camera and light to examine the inside of a baby’s esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. The doctor may also take tissue samples for analysis during the procedure. General anesthesia is typically used for infants and children undergoing endoscopy.

Treatment

Making simple adjustments to a baby’s feeding routine may assist some babies’ infant reflux until it goes away on its own. If feeding adjustments are insufficient, a healthcare may suggest medications.

• Lifestyle changes: Feeding changes can be made to alleviate reflux or GERD symptoms in infants. These include adding rice cereal to the baby’s milk or formula, adjusting the nipple size if the mixture becomes too thick, and burping the baby after every 1-2 ounces of formula or nursing from each breast. It is important to avoid overfeeding and to hold the baby upright for 30 minutes after feedings. If the baby is using formula, and a doctor suspects a milk protein sensitivity, switching to a different formula may be recommended but should only be done after consulting with a doctor.
• Medications: Usually, children with simple reflux are not treated with reflux medications. However, a healthcare provider might advise taking an acid-blocking drug for a few weeks or months. Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and omeprazole magnesium (Prilosec) are examples of drugs that prevent the production of acid.
  Healthcare provider may prescribe an acid-blocking medication if the infant have poor weight gain, refuses to eat, have an inflamed esophagus, or has chronic asthma.

Healthcare provider will frequently recommend a medication as a trial and will discuss any potential side effects. Without a prescription, parent’s should not administer any medications to their infant.

• Surgery: The infant might require surgery in rare situations. Only if the infant has trouble gaining sufficient weight or is having breathing difficulties due to reflux. The LES, which is located between the stomach and the esophagus, is tightened during the procedure. By doing this, acid is kept from rising back into the esophagus.