519-685-8177Q: Can GERD start at any age?
A: Yes, GERD can develop at any age
Q: Is there anything I can do at home for my child to reduce GERD?
A: Yes, the following diet and lifestyle changes can be done at home to help reduce GERD:
- Eat smaller meals more often
- Limit foods that are spicy or contain lots of acid (pickles, tomatoes, citrus)
- Drink lots of water when symptoms arise
- Avoid carbonated drinks, chocolate, caffeine, and foods that are high in fat (For example, pizza and french-fries)
- Elevate the head of your bed with books or bricks about 30 degrees
- Avoid wearing tight waistbands
- Try to lose some weight if you are above your ideal weight
- Avoid eating or drinking 2-3 hours before bedtime
- Are the medications for GERD safe?
The proton pump inhibitors have been used for over 30 years and have an excellent safety profile. Some people may experience problems with headaches, skin rash, diarrhea, and abnormal liver function studies but these side effects are extremely rare. Recently, there has been some suggestion that older individuals on long-term high dose, that is twice a day, proton pump inhibitors may have an increased bone fracture rate and, therefore, should be taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement. However this has not been substantiated.
- Avoid eating large meals before periods of heavy or stressful activities
- Are the medications for GERD safe?
The proton pump inhibitors have been used for over 30 years and have an excellent safety profile. Some people may experience problems with headaches, skin rash, diarrhea, and abnormal liver function studies but these side effects are extremely rare. Recently, there has been some suggestion that older individuals on long-term high dose, that is twice a day, proton pump inhibitors may have an increased bone fracture rate and, therefore, should be taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement. However this has not been substantiated.
- Are the medications for GERD safe?
The proton pump inhibitors have been used for over 30 years and have an excellent safety profile. Some people may experience problems with headaches, skin rash, diarrhea, and abnormal liver function studies but these side effects are extremely rare. Recently, there has been some suggestion that older individuals on long-term high dose, that is twice a day, proton pump inhibitors may have an increased bone fracture rate and, therefore, should be taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement. However this has not been substantiated.
Q: Are the medications used to treat GERD safe?
A: Yes, medications such as proton pump inhibitors have been used for over 30 years and are safe to use. However, as with any medication side effect can occur and should be watched for. In the case of PPI, the side effects include but are not limited to headaches, skin rashes, diarrhea and liver functions studies.
Q: Are certain medical conditions associated with GERD?
A: Yes, certain medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, asthma and prematurity are associated with GERD.
- Do the medications for GERD cure acid reflux?
The medications are very effective to treat reflux. However they do not cure the disease. The medications work to decrease the acid production by the stomach and once you stop the drugs the stomach returns to its normal ability to make acid. The symptoms of heartburn will therefore often recur after the medication is stopped. If altering lifestyle measures do not prevent the symptoms from recurring then individuals may require medication on a long term basis. This may include using it as necessary when symptoms recur. Some individuals need medication on a daily maintenance basis.
Q: Do the medication used to treat GERD cure acid reflux?
A: No, medications used to treat GERD do not cure acid reflux. Once the medication is stopped the stomach returns to making acid and often the symptoms return.
Q: Does My Baby Have GERD?
A: If your baby is spitting up, but otherwise seems content and healthy, you probably don’t need to worry about GERD. But if your baby is fussy, failing to gain weight, or showing other signs and symptoms of GERD, consult your pediatrician.
Q: Is there anything I can do at home for my baby to reduce reflux or GERD?
A: Lifestyle adjustments can be extremely effective in reducing acid reflux and treating GERD in babies. In fact, many babies don’t need medication if you use these strategies for managing reflux and treating GERD:
- Avoid overfeeding
- Don’t feed the baby again after he or she spits up (wait until the next feeding time)
- Check with your doctor to see if you are using appropriately sized bottles or nursing the appropriate amount of time.
- If your baby is formula-fed, thicken the formula with a small amount of rice cereal
- Keep the baby upright for at least 30 minutes after a feeding
- Try not to let your baby spend too much time in a car seat (The baby’s position in the car seat can promote reflux)
- Avoid tight diapers and elastic waistbands
Most infants with reflux or GERD will be helped with the treatment mentioned above. If symptoms are severe or persistent then your primary care provider may consider treatment with a medication or referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist
