Could his 'reflux' be an allergy

[Funkytown]

Hi I was looking for some advice
I have a 5month old boy who was diagnosed with reflux at 2weeks due to the following symptoms arching back when feeding, kicking out during feeding (like he's in pain) vomiting every day ,he used to refuse feeds (this has since got better ish) his bowel movements are rediculous grunting loudly straining for the smallest poo but poo is not constipated at all some times like diaorah (sorry for spelling) he has dropped weight in the past from the 9th to 2nd centile now he's inbetween them. Things just are not improving with him he's had gaviscon and ranitidine which don't help and I feel like I'm failing him every time I speak to the health visitor it's useless my doctors is rubbish as you can't even get an appointment with them I finally have one for this coming week and I'm wondering if it's worth asking for him to be referred or tested for allergys or to just carry on reflux treatment?
I'm not asking for a internet diagnoses lol but maybe some one knows about his symptoms and can offer advice as for what to ask for and if it's even worth asking for .
Sorry my post is so long and there's probely a lot of spelling mistakes
Thank you

[ShineSmile]

It is definitely worth looking into, get a referral.

Are you breastfeeding or formula?

[Funkytown]

Formula feeding x

[ShineSmile]

Does he have any rash on the body? Even anything that looks a little red or spotty?

Also, around his anus, is it a little red?

[Funkytown]

His bottom area is always quiet red I think due to the straining that he does and I've notices some tiny pimpley spots some times down his arms same colour as skin not in clusters or any thing just quiet random

[ShineSmile]

Sounds like he has got cows milk allergy then. Look at the website 'is it cows milk allergy'

Best thing to do is ask GP to prescribe you nutramigen for your LO. Your LO might not like it so you might need to do half and half till he gets used to it. Once he is on full nutramigen for 2 weeks, all the rash and sore bum should disappear.

Ask GP also for a referral to an allergy pediatrician. If you are in London, ask for St Thomas's allergy clinic.

[Funkytown]

Thank you so much for all the information I have an appointment on Tuesday and I will update you !

[ShineSmile]

All the best Funky x

[Funkytown]

I spoke to the health visitor today still have gp app for tomorrow she said sounds more like lactose intolerants but we shall see what the doctor thinks I showed her he little spots she doesn't think much of them and I explained about he's always got runny eyes and sneezing from birth ah I don't know

[ShineSmile]

Lactose intolerance wouldn't bring up hives and runny nose (my DD had the same till we went allergy free). However it could be that she has both lactose intolerance and cows milk allergy. But lactose intolerance is very rare, so it seems unlikely.

There is a book called 'a complete guide to allergies and intolerances' by prof branstoff. It is really thorough and worthwhile buying.

[ShineSmile]

My suggestion would be to be quite firm with the GP and insist he prescribes you nutramigen even if just as a trial. It's not going to do your LO any harm, so there is nothing to loose by trying. The only thing is he might not take to the taste.

[Funkytown]

Ok I will do thank you for all of your help I'm going to be very firm tomorrow and hopefully she prescribes it for him if not I will keep seeing other doctors at the surgery until someone listens !

[Funkytown]

well i have seen the gp and she agrees with what you said cows milk allergy so i have been referred to an allergy clinic and have been prescribed nutramigen 1 to use until appointment she didn't want to give it but i insisted that something needs to be done so fingers crossed this is the way forward and then i just need to get it on repeat prescription
but at least someones listening to me finally and were going in the right direction
thank you again

[ShineSmile]

Really pleased to hear that funky! :-)

I know some people's LOs don't like the taste of it, in fact most don't, so if you struggle, try mixing it with normal formula and slowly slowly increase the amount. I know some people put nesquick in theirs but I think that must have been for an older baby. All the best, and I hope it works out for you.

Also, before you start weaning, come back for advice on here. You really need to be careful and introduce each allergy type in a different week, or else you'll end up in a mess like we are at 13 months, still trying to figure out what exactly is the culprit.

There's an excellent book by prof branstoff called the complete guide to food allergies and intolerance (I should be on commission for it!). Honestly it is fab. I hope your referral comes through quick too.