How to Help an Infant With Pediatric GERD

Children and infants are susceptible to GERD, which stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or acid reflux disease. In this condition, acid and the contents of the stomach flow back up into the oesophаgus repeatedly, causing a lot of discomfort. This occurs because the lower oesophageаl sphincter (LES) is weak or relaxes at the wrong time. It is normal for this to happen every now and then, but if it occurs repeatedly, chances are that the patient is suffering from GERD. If left untreated, the disease can bring about changes in the lining of the oesophagus and damage it. In severe cases, it can result in malnutrition, failure to thrive, ulcers, and cancerous growths.

Things Required:

– Rice cereal
– Oil of peppermint
– Safe chair for seating the baby

Instructions

  • 1

    If your baby is fussy and spits up on a frequent basis after being fed, then you should know that your child might be suffering from pediatric GERD. In such a case, you should consider adding about а teaspoon of single grain infant rice cereal to your baby's bottle of formula before eаch feeding.

  • 2

    Breast feeding mothers may need to use a pump and feed the baby through a bottle. Try this a few times, and if it doesn't help, you might want to widen the bottle's nipple to allow more milk to flow through.

  • 3

    You can also try changing the formula you feed the baby. Go with soy first, and if it does not work, try a hypo-allergenic formula.

  • 4

    Prop your baby up after each feeding for about 30 minutes. This could be in an approved infant swing or a car seat. Allow the baby to sit there calmly or play with a toy. Do not attempt to make baby giggle or laugh during this time period. It is likely that the baby will be able to digest the formula sitting in this position.

  • 5

    Place some oil of peppermint drops or candy cane pieces in a bottle with some warm water. Feed this to your baby to calm it down. Peppermint soothes the stomach and can help reduce discomfort.

  • 6

    If these steps do not help, your baby may need medication for pediatric GERD or even a g-tube. Consult your pediatrician as soon as possible - don't wait for your baby to fall ill.

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