Reflux Treatment Guide

Reflux is usually caused by the valve or muscle at the upper end of the stomach being immature and allowing feedings to come back up. With age this muscle will mature and the reflux will improve.

Most children with reflux have no other problems, except for making a mess, and are called ‘happy spitters.' They usually improve with the lifestyle changes discussed below and the reflux resolves by itself when they are six to nine months old.

• Continue breast feeding: Reflux is milder in babies that breast feed.
• Feed Smaller Amounts: Reflux is always worse with overfeeding. It is better to feed your infant small amounts more frequently than giving a large amount and overfilling the stomach.
• Frequent Burping: You should try to burp your child frequently during each feeding.
• Thicken Feedings: add 1-2 teaspoons of Rice cereal to each ounce of formula to thicken it up. Stop if you don't notice any improvement in 3-5 days.
• Positioning: Avoid seated or upright positions and vigorous activities after feedings. Also avoid putting pressure on their abdomen after meals.
  

If your child improves with thickened feedings, then you could consider changing to Enfamil AR (added rice) which is thicker than most formulas.

• Poor Weight Gain: Most children with uncomplicated reflux should continue to gain weight normally.
• Esophagitis: Reflux of acid from the stomach can sometimes cause the esophagus to become inflamed. Infants with esophagitis will usually have problems and refuse to eat, spit up blood or become very irritable while eating.
• Lung Disease: A small number of children with reflux will inhale some of the formula into their lungs and this can cause wheezing, recurrent coughing or pneumonia.
  

• Be patient. Reflux in most ‘happy spitters' improves with time.
• Call your pediatrician if your child has projectile vomiting, does not seem to be gaining weight, has recurrent coughing, choking or wheezing, or hasn't improved by the time he is 6-9 months old.
• Protect your clothing, furniture, rugs, etc. Use bibs or towels to protect things from getting stained and don't feed your infant when you are dressed up or on the new couch.
  

• Living With Reflux: A support group for families that are dealing with reflux (GERD). Anyone with an interest of reflux are welcome to join. We have many links around the web and a very active message board for advice. Parents supporting Parents.

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