I have felt for the last few years that "reflux" is the new trendy
diagnosis of the early 21st century, similar to what "ear infections" were
in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Ten or so years ago, I heard about 5 or 10% of my clients tell me that
their babies had reflux, in the last year or so approximatly 70 to 80% of
my clients mangage to work into the conversation that their babies
have "reflux," and many of these babies are medicated. When I ask about
symptoms, the MAIN one is "spitting up." Pain and discomfort or weight gain
problems in the baby are rarely mentioned, even when I ask about them.
IMO, there is a lot of NON-painful, NON-pathological spitting up diagnosed
as "reflux" or GERD.
My personal pediatrician once said to me, when Hannah, at her 6 weeek check
up, puked ALL over my dress, my shoes and her floor, "Oh, she spits up a
lot! It *may* be reflux. but in healthy Breastfed babies who are gaining
well and not in pain, this is more a laundry problem, than a medical
problem." I didn't leave with any meds or instuctions on how to "thicken a
feed."
I know if a baby is in pain, not growing properly or has an esophageal
lesions, it would be pathological and diagnosis and treatment are
neccesary. I just wonder how many babies, who simply spit up a lot have
parents who are being told their child is ill.
Just my observation.
Mary Jozwiak IBCLC, RLC, LLLL, AAPL
Private Practice, DuPage County IL
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