https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 16 May 2026 06:14:57 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2826601 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 19:34:07 +0000 Grace 2826601@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@starchild: I’m sorry that it came off as callous and uniformed. My kid was on those meds too and they certainly were necessary. But fact is there is a risk-benefit analysis done on every patient and you prescribe meds when the benefits outweigh the risks. There are side-effects that come with it, due to lowering the pH of the stomach, such as poor nutrient absorption (my kid’s B12 is deficient, for example), and increased chance of infection and childhood bone breaks. In my kid’s case, the benefits outweighed the risks, but it doesn’t change the fact that they aren’t good for you. You wouldn’t take them unless you HAD to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2826587 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 18:30:00 +0000 starchild 2826587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We also Marci dose that Peaches is referring to. It is literally the only thing that helped my baby. We tried starting lower and worked out way up, and I have done tons and tons of research on the medications, treatment options and side effects. Our ped had never heard of it but agreed we should continue what's working for her. I compound it myself at home with over the counter ingredients. The website I linked to above describes all of this. Understanding the risks for any treatment should be discussed with your doctor, but I was sick of not being taken seriously and I told the doctor what we needed to do. </p> <p>@Grace: The meds are not not good for you; they save lives. You know how it helped your baby, so please don't make blanket statements like that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2826573 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:30:10 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2826573@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@peaches1038: Interesting. I haven't picked up the prescription yet but I'll update when I do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2826572 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 17:28:35 +0000 peaches1038 2826572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: How many times per day are you supposed to give the meds? 2-3 times per day is recommended by the Midwest Acid Reflux Children’s Institute because babies have a faster metabolism than adults, the effect of the medications tend to wear off more quickly and they often need multiple doses in a day for adequate coverage </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2826552 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 15:50:28 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2826552@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@tlynne: @caitcat: @Grace: @justjules: Well, we had the appointment yesterday afternoon. After his initial response of "all babies have reflux," and "why don't you think it's just a little colic?" the doctor finally agreed to prescribe famotidine. The pharmacy was all out yesterday, so we will pick it up today. I forgot to ask about a swallow study, but will at her next appointment.<br /> He also caught a "pretty loud" heart murmur, and we are heading to the nearest bigger hospital first thing tomorrow morning for an echocardiogram. Poor baby is having a rough start in life. :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2826289 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 18:50:02 +0000 justjules 2826289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: no advice just commiseration. Our DD had reflux and she screamed for 3 months straight but our ped refused to prescribe meds because she was gaining weight. Straight up hell for months </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2826242 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 14:41:27 +0000 Grace 2826242@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: that is sounding much more like reflux compared to your original post. I would stress the fussing during feeding and how it’s just getting worse. Also mention the other signs too. Truth is, these meds really aren’t good for you and they are being really overprescribed. So, when I first wondered about some of the symptoms (around 2-3 weeks), I was ok with “wait and see”. At his 2 month appointment, his weight gain slowed way down, he was screaming after he ate and I was in tears during the appointment. I think that’s what made the dr take it seriously. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2826236 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 14:25:37 +0000 caitcat 2826236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry you're having having trouble getting help! I felt like I was going crazy trying to get a doctor to take me seriously that we were dealing with silent reflux...at one point, one provider we saw told me to give my daughter chamomile tea and that I should "have some to calm down" too. It makes me cringe so much to even think back on! In the end, I ended up taking in a video of us trying to feed her a bottle to show how much she was resisting and crying/gagging while eating and that got us some help with a prescription for Zantac and a referral to a pediatric GI, who was incredibly helpful when Zantac didn't do the trick for us. </p> <p>I hope your visit today goes well and that you get some help soon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2826189 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 12:33:05 +0000 tlynne 2826189@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was really persistent...really pushed for the chance to try SOMETHING. I would also, if you think it would help, go ahead and ask if it is too early for a swallow study. Those are quick and will either show that she is aspirating or give you peace of mind. Keep her upright as much as possible, too. M used to have to be held VERY upright in order to drink and he did a lot of the same things you mention. He had silent reflux and silent aspiration...we struggled with aspiration for nearly a year before they took us seriously and did a swallow study...and the speech pathologist who did his study freaked a little when he had regular liquids because the liquid literally went straight down the wrong side. It was our occupational therapist through early intervention who pushed our doc to check for swallowing issues. In hindsight, I know now what to look for, but then, I really didn't..or I would havebeen even more desperate for help. It is amazing that he never had pneumonia and that his weight gain was good </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2826155 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 11:04:43 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2826155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: @peaches1038: @starchild: @caitcat: @MaryM: @tlynne: @Grace: I have another appointment for her this afternoon with a different doctor (the one who actually delivered her) in the hopes he will take me seriously. She's been fussing and/or grunting and groaning in her sleep basically since 12:30 AM and is still super fussy. She's starting to spit up a little more and then gags on it and gets the super wet sounding hiccups. And also sounds congested constantly. And she's randomly screaming half way through her bottles. I'm so sure that's what it is. </p> <p>So for you guys who have been through this dance with medical providers not taking it seriously, any suggestions on what to say to help? I can describe her symptoms, but that didn't work at all with the last doc. Any helpful hints? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825958 Sat, 02 Jun 2018 09:26:19 +0000 periwinklebee 2825958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It sounds like silent reflux to me. My LO had silent reflux initially. Main thing I noticed was swallowing when he wasn't eating, suddenly screaming out of nowhere in pain, and not settling well. Zantac helped a ton. Later it turned into non-silent reflux once he was taking somewhat bigger meals and not able to swallow it when it came back up - or maybe he just learned that swallowing it hurt and it was better just to spit it out. At 4.5 months, even with the reflux medicine he has regular massive spit-ups but the zantac does help and we notice if we miss a dose... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825929 Sat, 02 Jun 2018 01:28:46 +0000 peaches1038 2825929@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: my guy had serious silent reflux but gained really well so it was extremely difficult to get someone to believe me. I found this website to be very helpful. Sometimes babies who have silent reflux will eat and eat to try to soothe themselves and then it just causes more discomfort, so they want to eat more and it creates an awful cycle. </p> <p><a href="http://www.refluxrebels.com/acid-reflux-signs-and-symptoms-in-infants/" rel="nofollow">http://www.refluxrebels.com/acid-reflux-signs-and-symptoms-in-infants/</a></p> <p>There’s a quiz that may be helpful:<br /> <a href="http://www.refluxrebels.com/diagnostic-quizzes/" rel="nofollow">http://www.refluxrebels.com/diagnostic-quizzes/</a></p> <p>And medication information:<br /> <a href="http://www.refluxrebels.com/infant-reflux-medication/" rel="nofollow">http://www.refluxrebels.com/infant-reflux-medication/</a></p> <p>We also started really high quality probiotics - both of these were great and free of allergens<br /> <a href="https://www.seekinghealth.com/probiota-infant-60-servings" rel="nofollow">https://www.seekinghealth.com/probiota-infant-60-servings</a></p> <p><a href="https://klaire.com/k-tif-therbiotic-for-infants-powder" rel="nofollow">https://klaire.com/k-tif-therbiotic-for-infants-powder</a></p> <p>Lastly, someone recommended this supplement, but I never tried it (nat phos 6x)<br /> <a href="https://www.mamanatural.com/natural-remedies-for-baby-reflux/" rel="nofollow">https://www.mamanatural.com/natural-remedies-for-baby-reflux/</a></p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825917 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 22:47:02 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2825917@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@starchild: So frustrating. If she were mine I'd be finding new docs but it's more complicated with foster kiddos. She's been a little better the last few days so I'm crossing my fingers it continues to improve. She's gaining great, already over 10 lbs at not quite 4 weeks, so no one takes me seriously that she's more uncomfortable than she should be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825861 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 19:29:27 +0000 starchild 2825861@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We use gas drops and they help with some things, but if it is reflux, it's not enough. And it really sounds like reflux. I'd probably get a second opinion now rather than wait and risk a feeding aversion or chronic cough developing.<br /> <a href="http://www.infantreflux.org/signs-and-symptoms/" rel="nofollow">http://www.infantreflux.org/signs-and-symptoms/</a><br /> Sorry, mama, but I have definitely learned on this journey that if baby is gaining weight, no one cares about their pain or your quality of life. You have to push. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825807 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 15:21:09 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2825807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Update: doc says she won't treat for reflux because she's not spitting up, despite the fact that I said she often appears to spit up and then swallow it. We are trying gas drops and if she doesn't improve I'll get a second opinion. Backstory, I'm pretty skeptical of our local medical care based on past experience with O. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825452 Wed, 30 May 2018 20:01:50 +0000 starchild 2825452@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agree with what everyone else has said. This sounds like intolerance and reflux. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825214 Tue, 29 May 2018 13:49:33 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2825214@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@caitcat: Good to know. I've wondered about trying to switch to a hypoallergenic formula, especially given the gut issues right off the bat. I'm hoping to head this off quickly before it gets much worse. It definitely is going downhill rather than resolving. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825211 Tue, 29 May 2018 13:47:06 +0000 caitcat 2825211@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My older daughter had silent reflux. It took a long time for us to get a doctor to take us seriously that there was an issue because she never spit up. She was incredibly fussy while eating from the get-go, but by the time she was about three months old, it had gone so downhill and she was basically refusing to eat. Lots of back arching, crying during feeding, and then briefly after. Zantac didn't make much of a difference for her, but I seem to recall Prevacid helping. For her, we think the silent reflux stemmed from MSPI issues. When I eliminated dairy/soy from my diet and we switched to supplementing with a hypoallergenic formula, it all helped considerably. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825197 Tue, 29 May 2018 13:32:34 +0000 MaryM 2825197@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: the coughing/gagging during feeding wasn't a red flag (it's good if they do that and get it all out), but one day he was coughing when he woke up and the doctor said that was a sign he'd probably inhaled something when he was sleeping. The persistent cough is what could be a sign of infection. If they cough while eating and get it all out of their lungs, that's a good thing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825192 Tue, 29 May 2018 13:25:23 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2825192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Grace: We don't have too much screaming and she isn't refusing to eat (although she fusses a fair amount while eating and shortly after), but she does arch her back a fair amount especially when I'm burping her.<br /> @tlynne: Thanks. I'm going to take her in this afternoon. Hoping they'll let me try Zantac and maybe switch formula. She does cough and sputter a bit while feeding, so I've been worried about aspiration too.<br /> @MaryM: Yeah, the arching back and dried milk around her lips has been a main concern. No persistent cough yet, but definitely some coughing during feeding. Taking her in this afternoon. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825108 Tue, 29 May 2018 07:31:02 +0000 MaryM 2825108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My baby doesn't spit up a ton, but the doctor agreed probably has reflux. </p> <p>One thing they seemed to really think confirmed it was the way he throws his head back when we go to burp him. The arching back thing... </p> <p>And I started noticing he woke up with dried milk around his mouth. He wasn't spitting up while awake, but was doing it in his sleep and swallowing it. That's why I called initially, because I was afraid of him aspirating</p> <p>Watch for a persistent cough. That can be a sign of aspiration </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825062 Mon, 28 May 2018 11:06:45 +0000 tlynne 2825062@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We dealt with similar symptoms with DS2. He was multi-drug exposed from his birth mother. He did have significant reflux (thank God for baby Zantac!). Tummy sleeping was a LOT better, even though they aren't supposed to tummy sleep. We found out later that he also had significant issues with silent aspiration. Seriously...no choking, no gagging...just formula going to his lungs and a strange congested sound that was also blamed on reflux. Thank goodness he never had pneumonia. We ended up doing a swallow study, then thickened liquids with feeding therapy. I really wish we had been sent for the swallow study earlier. FYI that reflux treatments can (but don't always) make constipation worse. We tried thickening liquids with rice cereal and that made his tummy worse, so ended up on a xantham gum based powder. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825061 Mon, 28 May 2018 10:55:54 +0000 Grace 2825061@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well, my kid screamed his face off and refused to eat. And arched his back/neck. Those were his major symptoms. How log has the constipation been resolved? I ask, because we had major constipation and caused a lot of the symptoms you are describing. Is baby going every day with nice good soft poops? I know they say they don’t have to, but my kid didn’t feel better until the poops went to every day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silent-reflux-3#post-2825048 Mon, 28 May 2018 07:51:50 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2825048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a 3 week old who has a lot of what appears to be tummy pain. She had major constipation right off the bat, which was blamed on drug exposure. That seems to have resolved but instead of progressively getting more comfortable, she seems to be getting less comfortable. The last two days and nights she's spent a majority of her time grunting, groaning, fussing and straining. Now I'm thinking we might be dealing with silent reflux.<br /> Symptoms:<br /> Very squirmy and uncomfortable<br /> Grunts, groans, turning red<br /> Weird smelly breath<br /> Gassy<br /> Sleeps MUCH better on tummy<br /> Hungry often but then seems uncomfortable after eating </p> <p>She never spits up though, so I'm afraid the doctor is going to brush it off. </p> <p>Thoughts?<br /> Anything I'm missing? </p>