Understanding Reflux

General

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux (GOR) and Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) are different. By definition, GOR is normal, whereas GORD is a disease.

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux (GOR) occurs normally in all infants, children and adults during and immediately after meals. GOR refers to the contents of the stomach washing back up from the stomach into the oesophagus. It can wash up to the throat, and even be ejected out of the mouth; in otherwise healthy infants, this can be normal occurrence for a period of time – see
Paediatric Leaflet

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) is present when there are symptoms or signs that are troublesome, or severe, or chronic, or when complications are present.

When should you take your baby back to your health care professional for advice?

If you recognise any ONE of the following symptoms:

• Regurgitation -If vomiting becomes more forceful (projectile), looks green or yellow-ish in colour or looks to have blood in it.
• Exceeds one year of age - If you are still seeing reflux issues after one is over a year.
• Feeding issues – If your baby can’t feed.
• Losing weight, or poor weight gain – If he or she starts to lose weight or you see that the weight gain on your babies growth chart is poor.
• Unusual changes?? – If you see any changes that worry you or anything gets worse.
• Extreme crying – He or she won’t stop crying for long periods of time or is very distressed.

If GORD is suspected, tests and/or treatment are likely required.

Click here for the References

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