The stomach contents can sometimes come back into the throat in children or adults and cause throat irritation, cough, sore throat and sometimes aspiration pneumonia. In babies this “reflux” is not uncommon. When this reflux is associated with poor growth in babies, it is called GERD syndrome and needs evaluation by a specialist. GERD can lead to chronic cough and a risk factor for developing asthma in future.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

In babies:

• Irritability
• Poor feeding
• Poor weight gain
• Recurrent vomiting
• Crying after feeds
• Sometimes babies can hold their breath while crying
• Arching of head and back
• Cough

In Children:

• Repeated cough
• Sore throat
• Irritation in throat
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

Will my baby’s GERD last forever?

Babies with poor muscle tone or neurological disability are at higher risk of developing GERD as the muscles in the lower part of esophagus are not tight enough to stop the stomach contents to jump back up. Infants have poor lower esophagus tone which strengthens as they grow. This healthy babies mostly get rid of their symptoms by 1-2 years of age.

What are the complication of GERD?

Most babies with GERD get better as they grow old but few may suffer the following complications if they are not taken care of at the right time.

• Aspiration pneumonia Click here to read more
• Asthma
• Sudden infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

What is the treatment of GERD?

Treatment mainly focuses on measures to reduce reflux and control the symptoms.

Conservative measures include:

• Reclined nursing position
• Thickening of feeds
• Avoid feeding one hour prior to bedtime
• Supervised tummy time

Medications: Anti reflux medicines like lansoprazole may be prescribed by your doctor Surgical management: Nissan’s procedure to tighten the lower end of esophagus is done in extreme cases with complications Feeding alternatives: Feeding tube inserted through the nose and directly into the intestine can be used for feeding especially in children with poor weight gain