Hi -- I'm a Lactnet Lurker and not a breastfeeding professional, but wanted
to comment on the posts about GERD.  This is at least indirectly/possibly
related to infants.

In doing some research on health issues pertaining to an elderly family
member, I came across some interesting information.  To learn more, anyone
can to a simple search of the internet for "proton pump inhibitors" (in the
US, Nexium, or Prilosec) and "pneumonia" and "B 12" to find concerns over
potential health risks of long term usage (= or > 6 months) of medications
that block acid production in the stomach.

There is a concern that when acid levels in the stomach are inadequate,
bacteria that would not normally survive in the stomach can be regurgitated
and aspirated, leading to pneumonia.  There is also the possibility of an
increase in the incidence of community acquired c. dif infections, as well
as "traveler's diarrhea" and other causes of lower GI problems, again from
bacteria not being killed by stomach acid.  Higher rates of infection were
seen with concurrent use of antibiotics, which are known to change gut
flora.  Further, because of the action of stomach acid in digesting
proteins, there is an increased risk of B 12 deficiency resulting in anemia.


No studies included infants, breastfed or otherwise.  However, I hear of
babies being given medications for GERD. I'd love to have found a study on
pneumonia in infants with GERD.   

I also find myself wondering if the tendency for parents who are
formula-feeding to "over-stuff" a baby in an attempt to extend the time
between feedings would be more likely to seek treatment for GERD, for a
double-whammy on the baby.   

Deb McCallister
Louisville, KY

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