Why Infant Reflux Matters

Many babies are fussy and spit up milk, and in recent yearsit has become common for them to be diagnosed with 'reflux' and medicated withantacids, thickeners and acid suppressants. However, research tells us thatreflux is normal in young babies and that many of the symptoms associated with itmay in fact be misunderstood baby behaviours rather than clinical symptoms ofgastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). In Why Infant Reflux Matters Carol Smyth provides a simple and practical guide to understandingreflux that will help you avoid unnecessary medication if a simple change in feedingtechnique or care can help reduce your baby's symptoms. She explains whatreflux is, why it happens, the difference between reflux and GORD, the role ofstomach acid, and what research tells us about treatment. The book alsoexplores the symptoms commonly attributed to reflux and looks at whether theymight have other causes, and includes a plan you can work through for yourindividual baby to help you make informed decisions about their care.