Infant Reflux

Your pediatrician will review your baby’s medical history and do a physical exam. They need to find out if your baby’s reflux is something they’ll outgrow (GER) or a disease that may need treatment (GERD). If they suspect GERD, they’ll look for signs of complications. They must also rule out other conditions that have the same signs and symptoms as acid reflux. Here’s what you can expect.

First, your pediatrician will talk to you about what you notice. They’ll ask questions like:

• At what age did your baby’s symptoms begin?
• Do you breastfeed (chestfeed) or use formula?
• If you use formula, what type? Do you add anything to it?
• How often do you feed your baby and how long is each session?
• How much do you feed your baby?
• What patterns do you notice with spitting up or vomiting? For example, is it always right after a feeding? At night?

They’ll also talk to you about your baby’s medical history and any conditions that run in the family.

Your pediatrician will then examine your baby to check for any signs of medical conditions, including those affecting the brain or lungs. They’ll also measure your baby’s height and weight to see if their growth is on schedule.

All this information helps your pediatrician determine if your baby has GER, GERD or another condition. Your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric gastroenterologist, who can also evaluate your baby and help reach a diagnosis.