difficult to diagnose daughter

Hello Emsmom,

It can be very frustrating when there is no clear diagnosis yet the symptoms are real and causing disruption to your lives. With my children, I found that I was the first to recognize their symptoms and it took weeks, months and even years to figure out the exact diagnosis. And I am not just talking about just reflux: allergies, asthma, etc.

Some conditions can be diagnosed easily and rapidly. I was always "happy" when my kids had strep throat. Just swab the throat, get the results right away or in a day or two and on to the pharmacy for a reliable treatment. It was a swift process from diagnosis to treatment and back to living our lives.

I can't say what exactly is going on with your daugther. However, I know that over time, you and the doctors will eventually pinpoint the cause of the symptoms. It could be food or seasonal allergies, a bit of reflux or all 3. It may take some time to see a pattern: for example, seasonal changes if environmental allergies are to blame. Even different foods eaten during different seasons: melons and berries in the summer vs. citrus and apples in the winter. Mold and pollen may be seasonal as well.

It sounds like there is a nasal component and the extra mucous can be irritating when it mingles with acid in her stomach. Has she had allergy testing to determine if a food or environmental irritant is contributing or causing the symptoms?

Meanwhile, keep a symptoms diary every day and see if any patterns emerge.

Keep in touch and let me know what you find out.

Best wishes,

Jan Gambino

The Reflux Mom

Has any physician offered to do a stool speciman? This is the easiest and most accurate way to determine a problem. They can see allergies, vegetable and meat fiber and how much gut flora the body is producing.

You can search the web for doctors who specialize in this.

Also, if they do determine allergies are involved, research LEAKY GUT syndrome and cuases.

Good luck and God Bless You.