Positioning a Preemie baby with acid reflux (GERD)

While handling babies with acid reflux can be tricky, handling premature babies with acid reflux can be trickier. That may be changing, however.   Two studies published last month in the Journal of Pediatrics have found that post-feed gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in preemies is increased when babies are placed in the right side down or supine positions. Both studies looked at acid reflux in 35-36 week premature babies using... Read more...

Infant Reflux Misrepresented in the Media

Infant Reflux Misrepresented in the Media
The media has a way of oversimplifying things. Look, for example, at the December 16, 2007 piece from the Baltimore Sun, Reflux Among Babies Often a Misdiagnosis. The article suggests that acid reflux in babies is "widely misdiagnosed and often overtreated with unnecessary doses of heartburn medicine developed for adults."   The piece rests on the results of a small, recently published retrospective study of the practices of...

Protecting Those Pearly Whites

Protecting Those Pearly Whites
If you or some one you care for has acid reflux disease, you may need to consider extra measures of tooth protection. Cavities, also called tooth decay, can be caused by a combination of factors, including acid reflux. Stomach acid is caustic, and if it makes its way to the mouth as a result of acid reflux, it can damage the teeth. The prevalence of dental erosions in the general population is estimated to be 2 - 18 percent, but has been...

Five Signs of Childhood Acid Reflux That You May Overlook

The younger your child, the harder it may be to recognize the signs of acid reflux. Here are five common signs that can be an indication of acid reflux: 1. Dental Enamel Loss When reflux reaches the mouth it can eat away at a child's dental enamel and predispose him or her to tooth decay. If you suspect reflux in your child, ask your dentist to look for signs of reflux damage in the teeth. In addition to treatment of the reflux... Further reading...

Going to School With Acid Reflux

Going to School With Acid Reflux
Getting your child or teen with reflux ready for school?  It turns out; HealthCentral is getting ready for school too. Back to School with HealthCentral is a wonderful resource with links to information for parents.   Over the years, I have helped my girls with acid reflux get ready for school. Each year is different and there have been new issues from preschool to high school. I think it is a bit overwhelming for parents and...