Rethinking Reflux

by Kelly Dorfman, M.S., Co-founder of DDR

Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reﬂux Disorder (GERD) is a diagnosis I am encountering in my practice with increased frequency. Yet, little is written about it. Frequent vomiting is the most obvious indicator, but other symptoms include:

What is Reflux?

Although many babies spit up, are irritable, and sleep poorly, GERD is present only when symptoms persist and become severe. The stomach contents consistently back up into the esophagus, and the acid and food combination can burp up the back of the throat or be projected through the mouth or nose.

Most professionals believe that an improperly functioning sphincter valve at the top of the stomach is the cause of GERD. The valve pops open too easily when the child consumes an irritant, overeats or just bends over. GERD treatment is based on the that assumption. What if that thinking were incorrect?

How is GERD Traditionally Treated?

Because 95% of children outgrow GERD by age two, traditional treatment usually aims at controlling symptoms until the body matures.

Parents are advised to change body position and use gravity. These measures help keep pressure off the valve by keeping the baby calm and upright during and at least an hour after eating. If this benign correction does not work, thickening the formula can make it harder to spit up. Sometimes parents are advised to add rice cereal to the bottle, although the digestive system may not ready for starch before 6 months.

If thickened formula fails, doctors sometimes prescribe antacids. Mild antacids, such as Zantac and Pepcid, suppress stomach acid, which is critical for digestion, but corrosive to the esophagus. Stronger drugs like Prilosec and Prevacid, completely block acid production. While acid neutralization can dramatically help GERD symptoms, it can also have lasting effects on digestive system development and balance.

The next step is anti-reflux medication. Some, such as Urecholine and Reglan, keep food moving along and may improve muscle tone in the digestive tract. However, questions remain about the risk of using such drugs with babies, since Propulsid, a very popular anti-reflux drug, was taken off the market in 2000 because of side effects. Urecholine, an older, safer drug, has been used successfully in the treatment of autism. (See DDR Board Member, Dr. Mary Megson‘s work at her site: <>.)

How would treatment change if we made different assumptions? What if:

1. Some babies have poorly developed immune systems. Then the only way their bodies can reject irritating food is to throw it up. The gut activated lymphatic tissue (GALT), in the stomach, can respond instantly to a harmful substance. This healthy reaction helps rid the body of unwanted irritants. Maybe the reason that so many children adopted from overseas develop GERD is the failure of their immature systems to adapt to new foods they are not able to process.

Solution: Adjust feeding differently. If the mother is breastfeeding, she should try an elimination diet starting with dairy foods. If a baby is formula fed, consider a predigested, hypo-allergenic formula. Several types may need to be tried until one sits well.

2. Some babies may have immature digestive systems. These infants may need more support before their stomachs are ready for food. Because babies must eat, their systems have little time to rest and repair. Rather than suppress digestion with drugs or stress it with cereals, why not add nutrients that can soothe and build the distressed system?

Solution: Use digestive support suitable for babies. Some with which I have had great success are:

3. Evaluate muscle tone. Visit an occupational therapist who can suggest abdominal strengthening exercises. When dealing with reﬂux, think support, not suppression.

[Initially published in New Developments: Volume 7, Number 4 - Summer, 2002]



Page last modified: February 23, 2009
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