Reflux treatment

[Lisa3SSJ]

Hi, my 15 week old has just been diagnosed with reflux. He doesn't vomit but really suffers with pain during his feeds - arching his back - and afterwards when he burps. We've been keeping him upright as much as possible and have just been prescribed infant gaviscon. This has just caused him to become extremely constipated and has done nothing to stop the acid coming up. Going back to see GP next week but got the impression that she doesn't have much experience of the problem. Does anybody know what meds are on offer to help the acid rather than the vomitng? It would be good to have some info to take with me.

Thanks

Gaviscon is rubbish, as you have discovered it just makes babies constipated! It's not even an antacid, just forms a 'layer' on top of the stomach contents. Ask your gp to refer to a gastroenterologist - they should do this. Other meds available are Ranitidine (aka Zantac) which my dd was on from about 5 weeks old. THis inhibits the stomach from making as much acid. It is extremely weight dependant and the dose will need adjusting if your ds gains even a pound in weight, and can take a couple of weeks or so to kick in, so you won't see a difference straight away. There is also something called Losec, which I never had for my dd but I have heard it is very good. It stops the stomach producing any acid at all. PLEASE don't be concerned about putting your ds onto medication, as some people are, he is in pain, and they WILL help!! I don't know if they've given you any advice about propping up the head of his cot/moses basket? I think most gps are a little bit clueless about reflux so you might have to push for a referral/meds. HTH

my DS had silent reflux so similar to your DS in there is no sickness but all the associated symptoms

Gaviscon did nothing and as Pegotty says it doesn't neutralise the acid

we got DS onto ranitadine and domperidone (this moves the milk through the gut quicker) and after a week or so it was like having a different baby

i can't recommend them highly enough

Thanks guys, I'll take this info with me on Tuesday.

PS It's good to have a conversation with people who know what I'm going thro.