About this topic
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is sometimes just called reflux. Normally, food goes from the mouth through the food pipe and then into the belly. The food pipe is also called the esophagus. This illness happens when the contents of the belly leak backwards into the food pipe. This leaking can bother the food pipe. Your baby may have heartburn, burping, bloating, and belly pain after eating. GERD can be treated in many different ways. Sometimes, doctors use drugs or suggest changes in lifestyle. Other times, diet changes or surgery is needed. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
- Hold your baby in an upright position after feeding for 30 minutes. Do not use pillows.
- Give your baby small feedings more often. Avoid overfeeding your baby.
- Burp your baby after each 1 to 2 ounces of feeding.
- Your baby should sleep on his back, even with GERD. Talk to your babys doctor if you have any questions. Ask about raising the head of your baby's crib.
- Keep a record of your baby's signs.
What follow-up care is needed?
The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower the amount of acid made in your babys belly
- Help with the signs of GERD
What changes to diet are needed?
Ask the doctor if you need to make changes to your babys diet. The doctor may suggest changes like: ‚
- Adding some rice or cereal to your baby's milk to make it thick
- Trying some other formula for 1 to 2 weeks
What problems could happen?
- Asthma
- Irritation and spasm of the airways due to acid
- Long-term cough
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
A small amount of reflux is normal in infants. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- More throwing up or throwing up fluid that looks like blood or coffee grounds
- Problem with breathing
- Weight loss or not wanting to eat
- Crying a lot
- Your child is not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or is feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my child's eating habits to ease the reflux.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child is throwing up fluid that looks like blood or coffee grounds.
Where can I learn more?
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerdinfant/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚