Reflux

Description
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is caused by excessive movement of acid stomach contents into the esophagus (food pipe), which may then be brought up and swallowed, vomited, choked on or may stay in the esophagus for a long time.

The peak age for reflux is 1 to 4 months of age and tends to go away during the first two years of life.

Complications
GERD can lead to many complications. These include apnea (not breathing), choking, bradycardia (slow heart rate), recurrent cough or wheezing, aspiration pneumonia, weight loss and esophagitis.

Symptoms
Poor weight gain, frequent vomiting, irritability, feeding problems, recurrent pneumonia, wheezing, apnea, cyanotic (or blue) episodes, loud breathing, arching and pulling away form nipple/breast while being fed.

Click this link to view a video about  Heartburn and Symptoms (requires Windows Media Player).

Treatment
Doctors use several tests along with the child's medical history to diagnose reflux. These tests may include a barium swallow, pH probe or milk scan/nuclear reflux scan. Testing is usually done during hospitalization so treatment can be started and then continued on an outpatient basis.

Your doctor will also provide specific instructions if cardiac or apnea monitoring is needed at home.

The cure for reflux is time and maturation. In the majority of cases, reflux is managed with positioning and diet. Occasionally, antacids and other medications are used. Surgery is used only for the most severe cases. Your doctor will decide what is best for you.

Click this link for a video about the  Surgical Treatment of GERD (requires Windows Media Player).

For more information or to discuss your symptoms with a nurse, call ASK-A-NURSE at (605) 322-6877 or (800) 658-3535*.  

* The ASK-A-NURSE toll-free number serves residents in the following South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa area codes: 605, 507,320 and 712.