Bad reflux and constant cough 6 month old- any advice?

[katerocks]

Hi all
I am posting on here after being frustrated at the lack of help and advice available from doctors and health visitors.
My ds has had reflux since he was tiny (now 6months+) and I have had to come to terms with the fact that he is sick everywhere (carpets, sofa, clothes, toys, bedding etc) and that I spend all day cleaning it up, however I was told by health visitors and doctors that by the time he was sitting up/on solid food, it should have gone away. However, in my opinion I feel it has got worse, or perhaps it just feels that way because now the sick is staining everything!!!! Also, he has had a permanent cough for 5 weeks and it was only a week before that that he got rid of the last one! I have taken him to the doctor twice since this cough has begun and they just say "give it time". Is it me or does 5 weeks seem an awfully long time for a baby to have a cough? And does anyone think that the reflux could be a contributing factor? I know it sounds silly and I know there are people out there with a lot worse problems, but it is quite upsetting to see my ds vomiting and coughing all the time, and I'm sure I get funny looks when I am out and about!! If anyone has any advice or has been in a similar situation it would be great to here from you.

Chronic coughing is a typical symptom of infant reflux. I strongly recommend this amazing nz site: www.cryingoverspiltmilk.co.nz,

DS2 had severe reflux, and was under strong medications (started with ranidil, then gaviscon,then lansox lanzoprazole). It does get WORSE with solid, and there is a diet / allergy issue.

He had bronchitis after bronchitis. Acids from the stomach enter the trachea,and sometimes the lungs: coughing,infections, antibiotics.

Reflux is a living hell for the baby and the parents, but with the right medication it does get better, at the right dosage, which takes time to elaborate.

Nobody ever suggested to you to try omeprazole or lanzoprazole? talk to your gp about it or having a paed gastroenterologist examin your ds

Thank you thank you! It is really helpful to have some advice from someone who has been through it. No they have never suggested anything other than gaviscon - which helped a bit when he was very young, but now it doesn't make much difference. He is on Nutramigen as he has a suspected milk intolerance, so I have tried to exclude that from his diet. It is just a nightmare knowing that every time he rolls on his front or leans forward he is going to be sick! Thanks again x

bump

he should st least be on ranitidine
ask for a referral to see a paediatrician ig GP won't prescribe
if you are not getting anywhere go to A+E directly to see one (go early am, say 10am ish when it willbe most quiet)

you need to go back to the gp and make sure they understand how severe this is. i had 6 weeks of dd with reflux and it was hell on earth. gaviscon infant in a bottle changed my life (had to give up bf because couldn't get the medicine fast enough before it came back up again).

Retrospectively, I can see now that my dd was uncomfortable/in pain all the time before she had the medication - not a great way to start her little life - and that this start contributed to my post-natal depression. You owe it to yourself and your child to make sure that you get the medication that is needed. Don't be fobbed off.

Totally agree with lalaa....GP fobbed me off with dd2, and it wasn't until she was in hospital with something else that a paed took notice and immediately prescribed Ranitidine and Domperidone.

Different meds work for diffrent babies, so if the first one doesn't help after a few days, push for another!

GOod luck, reflux is so hard on everyone...