Milk For Acid Reflux And Acid Reflux Foods

My grandson of 12 weeks suffers from acid reflux, milk has been changed twice, special bottles have been used. Any other recommendations as to how to treat his illness?

GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux is the upward movement of the contents of the stomach, which is commonly seen as vomiting. It also involves the movement of acid into the esophagus and the mouth. It is very common after a meal and is especially due to improper coordination in the digestive tract. Children with GERD are otherwise healthy, though the probability of nerve problems is high. In rare cases, such infants could have issues related to the brain or muscles.

Natural Cure For Acid Reflux

Excessive eating, beverages, medications and obesity are the other contributing factors for GERD. Any trigger that results in the relaxation of the muscular valve, between the esophagus and the stomach, results in GERD. An increase in pressure below the lower esophageal sphincter also causes GERD. Typical symptoms of GERD are regurgitation, frequent vomiting, cough, persistent crying, heartburn, abdominal pain and gas. Certain associated problems of GERD that are common in infants are breathing problems, colic, recurrent pneumonia, poor growth, wheezing, gagging or choking and feeding problems.

Most infants outgrow GERD but it is also possible in slightly older children, where it is also easier to control. Certain lifestyle modifications that prove beneficial are:

• Change the schedule of feeding, after guidance from your paediatrician.
• Do not put the baby to bed, right after feeding. Keep the child upright for at least half an hour, after feeding.
• Elevate the baby’s head region in the cradle.
• Try to increase the consistency of the feed, in bottles, by including cereals. It is better to do it under the guidance of your paediatrician.
• Decrease the quantity of feed and increase the frequency.

In the case of slightly older children, limit the foods that trigger an acid reflux, such as citrus products, licorice, caffeinated beverages, chocolate and tomato products. Place a bigger pillow or increase the elevation of the head region of the bed. Abstinence from aspirin containing medicines and other anti inflammatory compounds helps. Regular exercise in children also helps. Smaller meals, instead of the regular three or four meals are another effective measure. Keep the child upright after meals, for two hours. Treatment for GERD in infants and children includes the usage of acid blockers, proton pump inhibitors and antacids. Certain medications that reduce the flatulence in the intestine are also helpful. Care is required, while providing antacids, as side effects, such as diarrhoea and constipation are common.