11 month old w/ severe acid reflux - taking Zantac - Dr. wants to switch to Prevacid - diet changes
My 11 month old son has been on Zantac (3ml - 2X/day) for several months for severe acid reflux. Initially, there was a marked improvement in his willingness to be on his tummy/begin crawling & a reduction in nasty wet acid burps/spit up. In addition, he has choking/coughing episodes (like something went down the wrong pipe) NOT DURING MEAL TIME - whiich has also been attributed to the reflux. Recently, the obviously disturbing acid burp/spit up episodes have increased. We have gone from 3 meals/day to 4 smaller meals & monitor his fluid intake. His doctor is now suggesting Prevacid (15mg/day) - the equivalent of a min. adult dose. I am concerned about a more powerful medication & would like to explore dietary solutions & physical positioning/activity - before going to the prevacid. Any suggestions on diet modification or being aware of activity that may trigger an acid burp/spit up? THANKS!
Hello Max's Dad,
I understand your concern about trying a more powerful medication without first exploring other treatment options. Medication is often used when there are worrisome complications from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease such as the choking you are describing. It is also used for pain management, poor weight gain or weight loss and respiratory complications. There is evidence that a baby metabolizes the Prevacid faster than an adult so a larger dose is needed. Some babies even need the dose split into 2 doses per day.
If you want to explore non medication treatments here are some to consider:
Diet: Often as you approach the first year, there is an increase in baby food and table food. This may lead to more burping and spit up.
Positioning: An 11 month old may be in constant motion so keeping him upright and quiet after a meal may be difficult to impossible. See if he will sit in his high chair or in another seated positioning -exosaucer? Elevating the bed for sleeping is often highly effective but may be challenging in his age group.
Teething: sometimes teething, a respiratory illness or allergies can cause extra secretions and worsen reflux. My daughters seemed to get all of their teeth at once and the drooling was severe. Of course the reflux was worse too!
Careful eating: He might need baby food/toddler food at one meal, then a break and then a bottle or cup of liquid.
Let me know what you have tried so far.
Jan Gambino
The Reflux Mom
www.refluxmom.com
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