Parents are hearing more about the dangers of reflux difficulties in babies and young children and many discover that there are not always obvious symptoms of Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), Extraesophageal Reflux (EER), Silent Reflux, or pediatric Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Spitting up is common in newborns, and it is estimated that five out of ten of our beautiful, sweet babies has a problem with reflux in the first few weeks of life. The website at InfantRefluxDisease.com refers to the majority of these as 'happy spitters.'

Simple techniques in positioning, dressing, feeding, and soothing these little ones can help most babies be more comfortable and spit up less, and some strategies may decrease the need for medication in most children. Many babies outgrow reflux in a few weeks or months, and most who do not, have outgrown it by 18 months.

Because reflux among infants and children with special needs is more common, especially in babies born prematurely, and among children with Down syndrome, it important to remember that some children may not have obvious symptoms, and may have serious medical problems due to untreated reflux disease. Reflux is often listed as a contributing cause of sleep apnea and other sleep disturbances.

Doctors may not be familiar with all the symptoms of reflux or GERD in children and infants, or may believe that a parent is overconcerned by simple colic, spitting up, gagging, hiccups, slow growth, food refusal, hoarseness, or general unhappiness. Symptoms may be attributed to your child's original diagnosis or condition, medications or temporary situations, allergies or hay fever.

If your child is diagnosed with reflux or has an exceptional case, there are preferred nursing and sleep positions, medications, dietary changes and other efforts made to accommodate their special needs, and options to treat children diagnosed with GERD and other reflux problems, including surgery.

Families of children diagnosed with one of these conditions do reach out with information, resources and support for parents of newly diagnosed babies and children. It's good to learn from their experiences to take advantage of their successes, avoid their mistakes, and take action sooner, so your child can be as comfortable and healthy as possible no matter how long or how serious the struggle, or how briefly your child experiences the condition.

14 Steps to Reducing Your Infant's Reflux

Infant Reflux and Pediatric GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux - GER - and Down Syndrome

Silent Reflux, or Silent GER

Lifestyle Adustments and Medications for Reflux

The Reflux - Asthma Connection

Gastroesophageal reflux, apnea and respiratory phenomena in infants


BellaOnline Twin Site
Some Effects of Mild Prematurity
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art41153.asp

Gastric ulcer presenting as gastroesophageal reflux and apnea in a term neonate

Sleep Disorders and Disturbances
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art33877.asp

Reducing the Risk of SIDS

Reduced or Free Prescription Programs for Families

Clothing for medically fragile infants - created to reduce likelihood of babies pulling out NG tubes
http://www.bundiebaby.com

You may find these books at your local library, bookstore or doctor's office, as well as amazon.com, below:

Life on the Reflux Roller Coaster

Reflux Information on Amazon.com



Celiac Disease in Children
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art21075.asp

Celiac Disease and Juvenile Diabetes
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48740.asp

Celiac Disease and Down Syndrome
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48740.asp