Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare
Reflux
At Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare, located in the prestigious areas of Belgravia and Dulwich, London, we provide specialised care for children suffering from reflux. Our clinics are equipped with the latest medical technology, allowing our experienced paediatricians to offer comprehensive and effective management tailored to the unique needs of each child.
Our Paediatric Reflux Services
We specialise in diagnosing and managing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and other reflux-related conditions in children from infancy through to adolescence. From thorough diagnostic evaluations to treatment and ongoing support, our paediatricians are dedicated to alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life for our young patients.
Our Paediatric Reflux Services
Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR)
GOR is the passage of gastric contents into the oesophagus. It is a common physiological event that can happen at all ages from infancy to old age, and is often asymptomatic. It occurs more frequently after feeds/meals. In many infants, reflux is associated with a tendency to ‘overt regurgitation’ – the visible regurgitation of feeds.
Symptoms associated with GORD
Symptoms that infants may present with include:
• unexplained feeding difficulties (for example, refusing to feed, gagging or choking)
• distressed behaviour
• faltering growth
• chronic cough
• hoarseness
• a single episode of pneumonia.
-Parents and carers who have had support and advice about correct breastfeeding
techniques (for breast-fed babies) or tried using smaller and more frequent feeds followed by thickened formula (for formula-fed babies), but whose baby’s symptoms haven’t improved are offered a medicine called an alginate for a trial period of 1 to 2 weeks. Alginates may help to reduce reflux.
Stepped-care approach
In formula-fed infants with frequent regurgitation associated with marked distress, use the following stepped-care approach:
• review the feeding history, then
• reduce the feed volumes only if excessive for the infant’s weight, then
• offer a trial of smaller, more frequent feeds (while maintaining an appropriate total daily amount of milk) unless the feeds are already small and frequent, then
• offer a trial of thickened formula (for example, containing rice starch, cornstarch, locust bean gum or carob bean gum).
Trial of alginate therapy
By reacting with acidic gastric contents, the alginate forms a viscous gel that stabilises
stomach activity which results in reducing the incidence of GOR.
• review the feeding history, then
• reduce the feed volumes only if excessive for the infant’s weight, then
• offer a trial of smaller, more frequent feeds (while maintaining an appropriate total daily amount of milk) unless the feeds are already small and frequent, then
• offer a trial of thickened formula (for example, containing rice starch, cornstarch, locust bean gum or carob bean gum).
Acid-suppressing drugs
Acid-suppressing drugs are a group of medications that reduce gastric acid secretion. Infants, children and young people should not be prescribed medicines called domperidone, metoclopramide or erythromycin to manage reflux unless a specialist advises it.
Useful Information
Benefits of Specialised Paediatric Reflux Care
- Personalised Treatment Plans: Tailored therapies to address the specific type and severity of reflux, ensuring effective relief and long-term management.
- Advanced Diagnostic Tools: State-of-the-art technology to accurately diagnose reflux conditions, guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
- Family-Centred Support: Comprehensive education and guidance for families, helping them understand their child’s condition and how best to support their health at home.
What to Expect During Your Visit
- Thorough Assessments: Each consultation begins with a detailed evaluation of your child’s symptoms, dietary habits, and medical history.
- Child-Friendly Environment: Our clinics are designed to make children feel comfortable and secure, reducing anxiety associated with medical visits.
- Expert Care: Our paediatricians use a combination of medication, dietary modifications, and sometimes surgical options, based on the best practice guidelines and the individual needs of the child.