Gastro-oesophagael Reflux Disease (GORD) is a common digestive disorder in infants. It is usually a symptoms of something else so it is important that if your baby is presenting with GORD that you get to the root cause. GORD is where the stomach contents move up the oesophagus causing discomfort and sometimes vomiting. 

Anti-reflux medication is often prescribed to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach and alleviate symptoms. These medications include proton pump inhibitors (PPI's) and H2 blockers .

When are anti-reflux medications prescribed?

They are are prescribed when babies are experiencing severe symptoms such as persistent vomiting, irritability, poor weight gain, feeding difficulties and respiratory symptoms. The decision to prescribe medication is taken on a case by case basis, taking into account the severity of the symptoms and age of the child.  

Are There Side Affects of Anti-Reflux Medication?

Some studies suggest that these medications can be helpful for treating GORD symptoms in infants, but they also come with potential risks and side affects. PPI's, in particular have been linked to an increased risk of infections, bone fractures and other health concerns in children so it is not advised that these medications are not prescribed long term.

How Long Should My Baby Take Anti-Reflux Medication?

In some cases medication may only be needed for a few weeks to allow damage done to the oseophagus to heal and once symptoms have been relieved by treating the root cause medication can be gradually reduced and then stopped under the supervision of your GP or Paediatrician. In other cases medication may need to continue for a few months. 

What causes GORD?

It is important to note that anti-reflux medications should only be prescribed by a doctor after thorough evaluation and appropriate diagnosis. As mentioned above trying to work with a professional ie infant feeding specialist or paediatric dietitian to find out the root cause of the reflux is extremely important in the first instance. Once the root cause is treated often the GORD is significantly improved. 

GORD can be a symptom of tension in the baby's body due to position in utero or from a dramatic birth which can be relieved by some craniosacral therapy, or a tongue tie which can be assessed by an appropriately trained infant feeding specialist or an allergy which can be assessed and diagnosed by approaching your health visitor or GP or paediatric dietitian.

Take this Quiz to find out if your baby has cow's milk allergy. 

In some cases lifestyle and feeding changes can alleviate symptoms of GORD in babies, such as feeding an upright position, burping frequently during feeding and pace feeding. To learn more about reflux and how to treat it in babies click here to read my blog 'Does My Baby Have Reflux?'

For more information on how to manage reflux and diagnose cow's milk allergy in your baby, have a look by my 'Settle Your Baby Masterclass' which has some excellent information and practical advise.

In summary, while anti-reflux medication can be helpful in treating GORD in babies, it should be used in caution and under guidance of a medical professional. Lifestyle and feeding changes, as well as close monitoring of symptoms, should also be considered as part of the treatment plan.