Skip to content

Reflux

Home
Conditions We Treat
Reflux
Constipation
Diarrhea
Reflux
Food Allergies
Poor Weight Gain
Celiac and Gluten Intolerance
SIBO
IBD (Crohn's and Colitis)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Roy_Nattiv_MD_177x170

Roy Nattiv, MD

Pediatric Gastroeneterologist

Diagnosing a treating children with gastrointestinal and nutritional issues.

Reflux

Reflux in Infants Explained

The movement of stomach contents backwards into the esophagus is known as gastro-esophageal reflux. This occurs periodically in infants, children and adults. However, when reflux episodes are associated with pain, choking or poor weight gain it is then known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Simple reflux is very common in infants – in fact, most babies spit-up. This is a result of immature nerves responsible for the movement of food down the esophagus, into and out of the stomach. Typically by 4-6 months of age, spitting up in infants should improve. Often, simple reflux precautions such as extra burping and keeping upright after feeding or thickening of feeds with infant cereal can help with symptoms. Spitting-up that is excessive and meets criteria for GERD or that persists beyond 4-6 months – should be evaluated by a Pediatric Gastroenterologist. In rare instances, infant reflux may be a result of abnormal anatomy, food alleriges, neurologic issues or infection.

Reflux In Older Children

Older children also frequently suffer from reflux and this most often a result of poor dietary habits. A low-acid and low-fat diet and other lifestyle changes can help with symptoms. Reflux is a common side effect of many medications including anit-anxiety medications and antibiotics. Children who are neurologically impaired frequently suffer from GERD and often require antacid therapy. Finally, older children and and adults with GERD that does not respond to lifestyle modification and simple antacid therapy should undergo endoscopy with wireless acid monitor (Bravo pH Study) to screen reflux. Endoscopy is a quick procedure that is used to diagnose treatable infections such as H. Pylori and to rule out eosinophilic esophagitis (allergic inflammation of the esophagus); both of which may have long-term consequences if not treated early. Click this link to read more on the diagnosis and management of infantile reflux, H. Pylori infection and eosiophilic esophagitis.

Bring your Kid's health into focus

Explore Our Educational Resources

Visit our blog

Social

Follow us on Instagram!

@kidsgidoc
Error validating access token: The session has been invalidated because the user changed their password or Facebook has changed the session for security reasons.