Exam Room Nutrition: Where Busy Clinicians Learn About Nutrition

54 | Infant Reflux Relief: Advice for Anxious Parents

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN Episode 54

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"My baby spits up a lot!" What the mom is actually saying to you as the clinician: "I'm really worried! Is something wrong with her?" and what the dad is saying, "Please, make it stop. I'm sick of being covered in vomit." Infant reflux is one of the most common concerns during routine well checks. Today I'm joined by Registered Dietitian and pediatric nutrition expert Kristen Gooch to help us navigate infant reflux.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding Reflux: Learn about the prevalence of reflux in infants and when it typically peaks.
  • Signs and Symptoms: Recognize common signs of reflux in babies, including excessive crying, arching, and poor weight gain.
  • Assessment and Diagnosis: Discover the questions clinicians can ask to differentiate between normal reflux and more serious conditions like pyloric stenosis.
  • Managing Reflux Naturally: Explore practical strategies such as positioning, feeding adjustments, and lifestyle modifications to alleviate reflux symptoms.
  • Medication Considerations: Understand the risks and benefits of using PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) in infants with reflux, and the importance of careful evaluation before prescribing.
  • Natural Treatments: Learn about over-the-counter options like colic drops and gripe water, and the evidence behind their effectiveness.
  • Educating Parents: Understand why it's crucial to avoid dismissing parents' concerns about reflux and instead provide practical support and guidance.
  • Can't Miss Diagnoses: Colleen reminds you of several other, more serious medical conditions that also present with reflux, that you CANNOT miss. 

Resources:
Join our Clinician-Dietitian Social on May 29, 2024 at 7:30pm EST. Registration required.
Connect with Kristen | @happytummynutrition or happytummynutrition.com

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Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

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