ASK THE EXPERT: How do we relieve our baby's GERD?

Hello! Thank you for your message. I will try to assist you but please remember that I am a Reflux Mom and not a doctor! It sounds like your daughter was diagnosed with ulcers. Was she diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD? When the doctor did the endoscopy, did he/she take samples called biopsies? If GERD has been diagnosed and the medication worked, it is certainly standard treatment to use medication to treat it. Sometimes, the ulcers heal and the medication is not needed. However, many children and adults need medication for months or even years. My daughter was on medication continuously for over 3 years.

Down Syndrome and GERD seem to go together. There is a greater chance that a child with DS will have GERD than children who do not have DS. Further, there is a greater risk of Celiac Disease (gluten intolerance) and Lactose Intolerance. Be sure to ask the doctor about these other digestive issues.

Low muscle tone associated with DS may make eating more difficult. Be sure your daughter is taking small bites, closing her lips around the spoon and cup so she does not gulp a lot of air and chew well.

A special diet may or may not be needed. Some doctors restrict high acid foods, soda and carbonated drinks and chocolate. My children have GERD and lactose intolerance so they restrict the dairy products. I have also found that over the counter probiotics  really reduce gas and burping. There is no scientific evidence of this-it is just my small study group of two kids who show up every night at the dinner table!!

Ok, so lets chat some more.

Jan

Thank you for the quick response, I am very impressed.

If the symptoms of GERD are throwing in the night acids, then I guess it is GERD. Pediatric said it sounds like GERD. Gastroentrologists never replied to me. There is only one pediatric gastroentrologists, I have no clue who else can diagnosed my child for GERD? 

First time when they did endoscopy, they did biopsy and H.pylori was negative. Second time when he did endoscopy he checked for celiac, and it was negative too.

Is it possible that if not treated GERD, you can get ulcer or how is ulcer and GERD related.  

Hello again!

The pediatrician or the gastroenterologist need to decide the best treatment for the vomiting. Sometimes the pediatrician will call the gastro doctor and ask for assistance with the treatment. Other times, the gastro doctor wants you to come in for an appointment and treat the problem. I know it can be difficult to get an appointment with either doctor. I know it is easier to try to get medical advice on the phone. No one likes to go to the doctor. I know that sometimes a check up and your report of the symptoms can really make a big difference in deciding the treatment.

When you talk to the doctor, ask if a medication would help or if certain foods should be avoided. Sometimes sleeping on a wedge can reduce vomiting at night.Ask the doctor if keeping her upright at night would help.

Let me know if you have more questions or concerns. That's why I am here! Jan Gambino