Diagnosing Infant GERD
In order to diagnosis
GERD in an infant, the healthcare provider will ask a number of questions, including questions about:
- Current symptoms
- Feeding history.
He or she will also perform a physical exam looking for signs and symptoms. Depending on what is found, the healthcare provider may recommend certain tests. These tests can help determine whether GERD is the problem or whether it is due to something else.
GERD treatment in infants will vary, based on a number of factors, including the severity of symptoms and the age of the infant. In some cases, treatment may not be necessary because reflux often improves on its own after one to two years of age. In these cases, feeding and sleeping modifications may be all that is needed. In other cases, the healthcare provider may recommend medications. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended.