{"id":17959,"date":"2024-09-11T10:00:40","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T08:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/?p=17959"},"modified":"2024-09-06T15:16:17","modified_gmt":"2024-09-06T13:16:17","slug":"understanding-infant-reflux","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding infant reflux"},"content":{"rendered":"

Reflux is a common concern among parents, but it\u2019s important to understand that it has always been a part of infancy. Dr Chantelle van der Bijl, widely known as Bloem MomDoc, shares valuable insights from a lecture by Paediatric Gastroenterologist Dr Tim de Maayer, to help decipher infant reflux.<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

What is reflux?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Infant reflux, or Gastro-oesophageal Reflux (GOR), occurs when stomach contents push back into the oesophagus. This is a normal phenomenon due to the immaturity of the valves (sphincters) at the stomach and oesophagus junction. \u201cA baby\u2019s oesophagus is much shorter, so milk can easily push up from the stomach, and the stomach also doesn\u2019t empty into the gut as quickly as in adults,\u201d Dr Chantelle explains.<\/p>\n

She further mentions that regurgitation, the visible expulsion of stomach contents, affects 90% of babies by two months but typically improves with age and healthy, weight-gaining babies who experience regurgitation are often termed \u2018happy spitters\u2019. This is normal and not medically significant. However, if regurgitation starts after six months or includes alarming symptoms like bile or blood, further evaluation is needed.<\/p>\n

When reflux becomes GOR<\/strong><\/p>\n

GOR arises when reflux leads to complications or tissue damage. Signs of GOR include refusing feeds, difficulty feeding, poor weight gain, and abnormal posture. Dr Chantelle emphasises that a paediatrician should diagnose GOR, as many other conditions can mimic its symptoms.<\/p>\n

Managing reflux<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr Chantelle suggests several management strategies for GOR. Educating parents about the commonality and harmlessness of GOR is crucial. \u201cKeeping babies upright and introducing solid foods when appropriate can help. Milk thickeners and anti-reflux formulas reduce visible regurgitation but do not decrease reflux frequency.\u201d<\/p>\n

Medications and misuse<\/strong><\/p>\n

In cases of GOR, Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like infant Nexiam can be prescribed to reduce stomach acid. However, Dr Chantelle warns against the overuse of PPIs, noting that PPIs should be kept for babies with confirmed erosive oesophagitis and prescribed only for a short while. \u201cProlonged use can lead to gastrointestinal infections and osteoporosis.\u201d<\/p>\n

Exploring dietary changes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cow\u2019s milk protein allergy can mimic GOR symptoms. A trial of a cow\u2019s milk-free diet may help distinguish between the two. \u201cIf the baby is exclusively breastfed, the mother should avoid all dairy products for 2-4 weeks to see if symptoms improve,\u201d Dr Chantelle advises.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Reflux is a common concern among parents, but it\u2019s important to understand that it has always been a part of infancy. Dr Chantelle van der Bijl, widely known as Bloem MomDoc, shares valuable insights from a lecture by Paediatric Gastroenterologist Dr Tim de Maayer, to help decipher infant reflux. What is reflux? Infant reflux, or […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":17962,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[7232,7231,3633,7230],"class_list":{"0":"post-17959","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kids","8":"tag-bloem-momdoc","9":"tag-dr-chantelle-van-der-bijl","10":"tag-get-it-bloemfontein","11":"tag-understanding-infant-reflux"},"yoast_head":"\nUnderstanding infant reflux - Get it Bloemfontein<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Understanding infant reflux - Get it Bloemfontein\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Reflux is a common concern among parents, but it\u2019s important to understand that it has always been a part of infancy. Dr Chantelle van der Bijl, widely known as Bloem MomDoc, shares valuable insights from a lecture by Paediatric Gastroenterologist Dr Tim de Maayer, to help decipher infant reflux. What is reflux? Infant reflux, or […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Get it Bloemfontein\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-09-11T08:00:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/09\/28753706_m_normal_none.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2457\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"\",\"@id\":\"\"},\"headline\":\"Understanding infant reflux\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-09-11T08:00:40+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/\"},\"wordCount\":382,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/09\/28753706_m_normal_none.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Bloem MomDoc\",\"Dr Chantelle van der Bijl\",\"Get It Bloemfontein\",\"Understanding infant reflux\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Kids\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/\",\"name\":\"Understanding infant reflux - Get it Bloemfontein\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/09\/28753706_m_normal_none.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-09-11T08:00:40+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/09\/28753706_m_normal_none.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/09\/28753706_m_normal_none.jpg\",\"width\":2457,\"height\":1707},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Understanding infant reflux\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/\",\"name\":\"Get it Bloemfontein\",\"description\":\"Lifestyle Magazine\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-ZA\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/author\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Understanding infant reflux - Get it Bloemfontein","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Understanding infant reflux - Get it Bloemfontein","og_description":"Reflux is a common concern among parents, but it\u2019s important to understand that it has always been a part of infancy. Dr Chantelle van der Bijl, widely known as Bloem MomDoc, shares valuable insights from a lecture by Paediatric Gastroenterologist Dr Tim de Maayer, to help decipher infant reflux. What is reflux? Infant reflux, or […]","og_url":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/","og_site_name":"Get it Bloemfontein","article_published_time":"2024-09-11T08:00:40+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2457,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/09\/28753706_m_normal_none.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"","Est. reading time":"3 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/"},"author":{"name":"","@id":""},"headline":"Understanding infant reflux","datePublished":"2024-09-11T08:00:40+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/"},"wordCount":382,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/09\/28753706_m_normal_none.jpg","keywords":["Bloem MomDoc","Dr Chantelle van der Bijl","Get It Bloemfontein","Understanding infant reflux"],"articleSection":["Kids"],"inLanguage":"en-ZA"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/","url":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/","name":"Understanding infant reflux - Get it Bloemfontein","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/09\/28753706_m_normal_none.jpg","datePublished":"2024-09-11T08:00:40+00:00","author":{"@id":""},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-ZA","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-ZA","@id":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/09\/28753706_m_normal_none.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/09\/28753706_m_normal_none.jpg","width":2457,"height":1707},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/2024\/09\/11\/understanding-infant-reflux\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Understanding infant reflux"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/#website","url":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/","name":"Get it Bloemfontein","description":"Lifestyle Magazine","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-ZA"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"","url":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/blog\/author\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17959","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/103"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17959"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17959\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17963,"href":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17959\/revisions\/17963"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17962"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17959"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17959"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/bloemfontein\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17959"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}