Reflux

Reflux
Reflux in babies is a relatively common condition, which will resolve in most cases by 12 months of age. Common symptoms of paediatric reflux include frequent regurgitation of feeds, failure of normal weight gain, recurrent ear and upper respiratory tract infections, chronic cough with asthmatic-like symptoms, difficulty eating, and in severe cases acute life threatening episodes. Older children will present with symptoms similar to that seen in adults (heartburn, abdominal discomfort). Dr Thiebaut will advise you on the appropriate treatment for your child which may consist of medical therapy, or less frequently, surgery. Surgery entails correction of any anatomical factors that predispose to reflux, combined with a wrap of the stomach around the oesophagus (known as a fundoplication). This will create a “valve-like” mechanism that prevents reflux of stomach content into the oesophagus.