Homeopathic Treatment Of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (Spiting of Milk) in Newborn

HomeopathyPoint

5 years ago

Introduction: Now a days, many new mothers complain about the frequent spiting of milk (gastro esophageal reflux) in newborn. Homeopathy provides a gentle and long lasting relief from gastro esophageal reflux.

Infant reflux, when a baby spits up, occurs when food moves back up from a baby’s stomach. Reflux occurs in healthy infants multiple times a day. As long as your baby is healthy, content and growing well, reflux is not a cause for concern. ¹ Sometimes called gastroesophageal reflux (GER), the condition is rarely serious and becomes less common as a baby gets older. It’s unusual for infant reflux to continue after age 18 months.

Definition: Passive transfer of gastric contents into the esophagus due to transient or chronic relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs in almost all infants, manifesting as wet burps after feeding. Incidence of gastroesophageal reflux increases between 2 months and 6 months of age (likely due to an increased volume of liquid at each feeding) and then starts to decrease after 7 months. Gastroesophageal reflux resolves in about 85% of infants by 12 months and in 95% by 18 months. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), that is, reflux that causes complications, is much less common. ³

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) = physiologic reflux
GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease = reflux with complications
Dysphagia = difficulty or problems with swallowing

Natural History:

Physiologic, especially < 6 months
90% resolve by 12-18 months

Normal Daily GE Reflux: upto 20 episodes/day are considered normal.

Risk Factors

Genetic – autosomal dominant
Immaturity of the LES
Increased abdominal pressure
Gastric distention
Esophagus dysmotility
Prematurity
Neurologic problems
Chronic lung disorder
H.Pylori infection
Cow’s milk allergy

Symptoms:

Vomiting (72%) : : The main symptom of gastroesophageal reflux is Frequent regurgitation (spitting up). Caregivers often refer to this spitting up as vomiting, but it is not because it is not due to peristaltic contractions. The spit ups appear effortless and not particularly forceful.
Abdominal pain (36%)
Feeding problems (29%)
Failure to thrive (28%)
Irritability (19%)
Heartburn (1%)

Infants are more prone to acid reflux because their LES may be weak or underdeveloped. In fact, it’s estimated that more than half of all infants experience acid reflux to some degree. The condition usually peaks at age 4 months and goes away on its own between 12 and 18 months of age. It’s rare for an infant’s symptoms to continue past 24 months. If they persist, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a more severe condition.

It’s important to look at the Disposition of the child

Happy, spitters/ thriving
Unhappy, irritable/ poor weight gain

Indications for Investigation < 2 Years Old

Irritability with feeds
Recurrent pneumonias/chronic cough
Unhappy infant
Failure to thrive
Torticollis (?Sandifer’s syndrome)
Persistent vomiting at 18 – 24 months

Prognosis

Considered benign, most resolve spontaneously by 12-18 months. Peak age of GER is 5 months of age

Rare complications

Esophagitis with hematemesis
Anemia
Respiratory (cough, apnea, wheezes)
Delayed feeding skills

Treatment Goals

Promote normal weight gain and growth
Relieve patient’s symptoms
Heal inflammation
Prevent respiratory symptoms
Prevent complications

Treatment:

A. POSITIONING :

Gravity helps keep the contents of the stomach down. It’s best to keep your infant in an upright position for at least 30 minutes after feeding them to prevent food or milk from coming back up.
After feeding, infants are kept in an upright, non-seated position for 20 to 30 minutes (sitting, as in an infant seat, increases gastric pressure and is not helpful).
After feeding, put the baby prone, and elevate the head.30 – 45 degrees left side with straight spine and head up with support. No or little pressure on infant’s stomach.
Diaper changing or too tight fitting diaper will increase GER.
For sleeping, left lateral positioning and elevation of the head of the crib are no longer recommended because of safety concerns. Regardless of the presence of reflux, the only recommended sleeping position for infants is supine, which has been shown to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).3

B. BURPING: In addition, burping the infant after every 1 to 2 oz can help decrease gastric pressure by expelling the air the infant is swallowing.3

C. Changing feeding schedules. Providing smaller, more frequent feedings helps keep the pressure in the stomach down and minimizes the amount of reflux. However, it is important to maintain an appropriate total amount of formula per 24-hour period to ensure adequate growth. Feed baby smaller amounts more often.

D. Formula changes: formula changes is recommended for patients of lactose intolerant infants or suffering from cow milk allergy.

E. Milk thickeners: Thicken infants formula with cereal after appropriate consultation with pediatrician.

Homeopathic Treatment: Homeopathy medicines help in relieving the symptoms of GER I.e decreases the amount of reflex, promotes digestion and aids in the appropriate growth of the child. Some of the important helpful homeopathic medicines helpful in GER of newborns are:

Aethusa cynapium: After nursing, the child vomits its milk in curds, and refuses to nurse afterwards, and is very cross.
Antimonium crudum: Intolerance of milk; vomiting as soon as swallowed or in large curds. Hungry after vomiting. Regurgitation of food about an hour after eating. Violent vomiting of a white frothy matter. Vomiting, with sweat and great weakness, accompanied by anguish and distress, followed by sleepiness
Ipecac: Mouth, moist; much saliva. Constant nausea and vomiting, with pale, twitching of face.
Sanicula: Mouth, moist; much saliva. Constant nausea and vomiting, with pale, twitching of face.

Homeopathy Point Case Study: Cured Case of GER in new born

A 3 weeks newborn male presented with constant spitting of milk, refusal to feed and weakness after the episodes since 1 week. He was given Aethusa 200 and showed improvement from second day onwards. He never suffered from GER after getting completely cured of all the symptoms in 2 weeks.

Dr Renu Pande, MD

Founding Member – HomeopathyPoint

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