Could her reflux actually be an intolerance..?!

[LindsayS79]

Hi all
My DD is 18 weeks and has had reflux and eczema since day one. I had to go onto formula at 2 weeks due to lack of support from docs/hospital regarding the reflux and bf. anyway, she's been on SMA gold and we tried ranitadine, gaviscon and we're now on omeprazol which seems to have helped with the discomfort.
We only give gaviscon before bedtime as it made her constipated. I'm just managing the sickness by changing her constantly!

Recently her eczema has got so bad that's it's all over her body. She also comes out in blotches now. Her poo is green and soft (wasn't always green even when on higher dose of gaviscon). She's sick after every feed and it's often quite mucusy (sp?!). She's also always had bad wind.

She's started to reject her bottles in the last week and I'm practically forcing her to have them. Although it's not the back arching and crying I had before the omeprazole. Just pushing them away etc.

I'm now wondering if it's been reflux or an intolerance all along! Does anyone know if these symptoms sound like it? I've for an appt with the GP tmrw but I want to explore if an intolerance is a possibility!! Thanks in advance.

Eczema is almost always a response by the immune system to cows milk protein. There is also a significant co-morbidity of reflux and CMPI. I would suggest taking her off cows milk formula altogether and avoid giving her any foes milk products as you start to introduce foods.
You could try the Nanny Care goats milk formula, as she's now six months, or ask your GP to prescribe Nutramigen. I believe you can also buy this from the pharmacy.

I think theres a strong possibility its cmpi. Ask for a trial of a hypoallergenic formula. You will typically trial a hydrolysed one first - which is made of milk heated to break down the proteins so they trigger less of an immune response. This works for 80%+ of babies. But if symptoms return after an initial improvement push for a totally milk free formula like neocate. You are unlikely to get this on first ask as its v pricey. If it is cmpi you're safer avoiding all dairy when weaning - cow, goat sheep whatever. Oat milk and coconut milks are useful substitutes.

Thanks both. I'm hoping the GP will give it a shot and prescribe me with new formula although they all seem a bit clueless. My usual GP is pretty good but she's not about.
My LO has been clawing at her skin all day and it's affecting her naps. She's looking for more ozs through the night too as she's not taking as much through the day. Poor soul.