REMEDIES: Treating Reflux (GERD) in Infants (HEALTH, HERBS

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Treating Reflux (GERD) in Infants

by Randall Neustaedter OMD

 

Impaired digestive function is one of the most common problems of the

first 3 to 6 months of life. Reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or

GERD) and colicky symptoms often plague infants and parents, disturbing

the harmonious interactions of young families. The symptoms of night

waking, crying, spitting up and painful feeding can be heart-wrenching

and worrisome. If severe, these problems can also impair growth.

Although many infants grow out of these symptoms on their own as the

digestive tract matures, there are several forms of treatment that can

soothe the symptoms and normalize digestive function.

 

Holistic treatment

 

Holistic pediatric treatment of these infants is simple and

straightforward. Since the problem involves impaired stomach and

intestinal function, treatment is directed at encouraging a healthy

digestive tract while relieving symptoms.

 

The primary and most direct forms of treatment include acupuncture,

Chinese herbs, and homeopathy. Acupuncture or acupressure treatment

includes the essential points Stomach 36 and Spleen 6 (located on the

legs). Parents can learn to press on these points for symptom relief at

home as well. An effective Chinese herbal formula is Grow and Thrive

(Chinese Modular Solutions), designed to encourage development and

maturity of the digestive tract. This formula is available to health

care practitioners through Kan Herb Company (www.kanherb.com). It may

also be combined with other formulas (Tummy Tamer, Replenish Essence, or

others) as indicated for the individual case.

 

Homeopathic treatment will address the underlying cause through

constitutional treatment (e.g. nosodes, Lycopodium) and/or the relief of

symptoms through more acute/symptomatic medicines (e.g. Colocynth, Nux

vomica) as determined by a qualified practitioner.

 

All of these children should also receive a probiotic supplement. A

Lactobacillus bifidus supplement if solely breastfed, or a more broad

-based formulation for those infants fed any supplemental formula.

 

Parents can also soothe infants with other techniques such as rocking,

abdominal pressure, swaddling, baby-wearing with slings, and propping

positions during feedings and at night. Colicky symptoms may also

respond to elimination of some aggravating foods from the mother's diet

(dairy, spices, caffeine, beans, broccoli, cabbage, and nuts).

 

Standard treatment

 

Conventional medical treatment for reflux typically includes drugs that

inhibit gastric acid production. The theory is that if stomach acid

production is blocked then acid will not irritate the stomach and

esophagus. However, stomach acid is there for a reason, to help in

digestion and inhibit harmful bacteria. The drugs used to treat reflux

fall into two categories - H2-blockers such as ranitidine (Zantac) or

famotidine (Pepcid), and proton-pump inhibitors such as omeprazole

(Prilosec) or lansoprazole (Prevacid).

 

Unfortunately, these drugs do not address the underlying problems of

reflux, an impaired digestive tract, and they may cause other illnesses

and digestive problems. A study published in May 2006 in the journal

Pediatrics has shown that infants prescribed gastric acid inhibitors of

either category have an increased risk of pneumonia and digestive system

infections than healthy children even after treatment is discontinued.

This study of children aged 4-36 months treated by gastroenterologists

revealed that those children treated with Zantac or Prilosec had an

increased risk of pneumonia and gastroenteritis during treatment and in

the 4 month period following drug treatment. The incidence of these

diseases was attributed to the inhibition of white blood cell function

as a direct result of these drugs, and to the change in gastrointestinal

microflora induced by the drugs. For example, children given gastric

acid inhibitors have an increased number of bacteria (beta hemolytic

Strep) that cause pneumonia.

 

Holistic medical treatment of reflux in infants, children, and adults is

a far better alternative than the use of these drugs that do nothing to

fix the problem and result in impaired digestive function and consequent

disease.

 

 

-Canani, RB, et al. Therapy with gastric acidity inhibitors increases

the risk of acute gastroenteritis and community-based acquired pneumonia

in children. Pediatrics May 2006; 117(5): 817-820.

 

 

Randall Neustaedter OMD

Classical Medicine Center

1779 Woodside Rd, 201C

Redwood City, CA 94061

+1 650 299-9170

 

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