Natural/Medical Remedies
The following are natural remedies which are known to help reflux children.
*Breast milk is always best for GERD because it digests faster. Formula's recommended for GERD are...
~Enfamil A.R. (has added rice starch. Better than adding cereal to bottles but for some reflux babies they need to swallow a thicker liquid. A.R. thickens in the stomach)
~Enfamil Nutramigen or Similac Alimentum (Hypoallergenic Formula) this formula digests as fast as breast milk and is usually the next best option.
~Enfamil ProSobee or Similac Isomil (Soy based)
*Add cereal to bottle (rice, oatmeal ect.) 1TBS per 3oz is best.
*Small more frequent feeding
*Frequent burping
*Prop your child upright for 1-2 hours after a feeding
*Wedging crib mattress at an angel for bedtime
*Do NOT smoke around a reflux baby this can make symptoms worse.
*Pacifiers have also been known to help
Medications for severe cases...
*H2RA's- histamine2-receptor antagonists (Brand names: Zantac, Axid, Pepcid) This is usually the first prescribed medication for GERD.
*PPI's- proton pump inhibitors (Brand name: Prevacid, Prilosec)
~So whats the difference?
Well H2RA's work by triggering acid cells in the stomach to decrease acid production. They have a very long and excellent track record. On the down side they start to lose effectiveness over time. PPI's work by shutting down the pump in the stomach that produces acid. They have not been around as long as H2RA's but are showing great results for long term use.
(I am not a doctor. This information is only to give you an "idea" of what is available to you. Please consult your child's doctor before starting ANY medication. Also please do NOT confuse these medications with any over the counter name sakes. These are prescription medications which should be prescribed by a pediatrician or G.I. pediatrician)
I highly recommend the book "Colic Solved" by Bryan Vartabedian M.D.
It's a great resource for dealing with Infant GERD.
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