the decision to medicate
The spectrum of severity in infants and children can range
from the occasional "happy-spitter" to very serious, life
threatening complications. In the case of the latter,
there is simply no question, medical intervention is imperative.
For some though, the decision can become a little more
difficult.
If the child is otherwise happy and healthy, with the occasional spit
up, then clearly there doesn't seem to be any need to consider
medication. Keep burp cloths handy, use some of the
lifestyle modifications like elevating after feeding and wait until
they outgrow it. |
|
Other babies will appear happy but seem to vomit large amounts of food
multiple times a day, causing their parents to fear they are not receiving
the nutrition they need. This can also be particularly bothersome and
time consuming for parents and caregivers when the child (and everything
and everyone near it) needs to be cleaned up several times a day. Many
parents look to the doctor for something to make the vomiting stop but
generally, as long as they continue to grow well and are meeting their
milestones, these kids don't necessarily require treatment other than the
lifestyle modifications.
Some babies do not exhibit any serious complications but are thoroughly
miserable from their reflux, making life for them and everyone around
them, stressful, exhausting and downright wretched. Most of these kids
would likely benefit greatly from some
medication to relieve their reflux pain and it almost seems unfair to
expect them (and everyone else) to suffer needlessly. Medication is a
good idea in this case but not necessarily required, as they will likely
outgrow it within a few months and have no long term damage.
If you believe your child needs medication
getting a doctor to diagnose the reflux and
take it
seriously enough to
prescribe medication can sometimes be daunting, but it is possible.
Reviewed By Dave Olson, MD
Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics
Graduate University of Michigan School of Medicine |
