Heartburn in Infants and Children

About the author

Dr. Minocha (http://www.diagnosishealth.com/minocha.htm) is the Professor of Medicine and Director, Division of Digestive Diseases at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS, and is the author of How to Stop Heartburn; Simple Ways to Heal Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Lets us first look at Lucy's story excerpted (and edited) from the Chapter: "Heartburn in Infants and Children" in the book, "How To Stop Heartburn: Simple Ways To Stop Heartburn and Acid reflux".

"Lucy thought that it was normal for infants to spit up once in a while. But Brandon, her one-year old, had begun spitting up or sometimes even vomiting since he was a newborn and the situation had not improved. The regurgitations happened day and night and there was no sign of improvement.

Brandon also had trouble sleeping. He did have periods of fussiness during the day, but it was nighttime that was the major problem. He never slept through the night like other babies, crying miserably. Lucy and her husband were exhausted.

Lucy discussed her worries with her pediatrician. She talked about spitting up, fussiness, poor sleeping habits, and the arching posture that Brandon frequently exhibited as he contorted his neck and upper torso backwards.

Brandon was diagnosed as reflux disease. The doctor prescribed medication and also offered Lucy advice on positioning and feeding.

The positive change in Brandon began immediately. Soon he was a happy and content one-year old.

Yet before, some people had told Lucy she was being overprotective mother. She was probably spoiling the child or feeding him things that were not advisable. But the reality was that Lucy was a normal caring mother whose child had a serious problem".

The story of Lucy (and Brandon) is not unusual. It is a very common occurrence. Many of you moms and dads can relate to it.