Reflux is common in babies. It is more common in babies with CP.

Signs and symptoms of reflux in babies include:

• spitting up feed (regurgitation)
• being upset or irritable
• not putting on weight

Signs and symptoms of reflux in older children include:

• nausea and vomiting (feeling sick and being sick)
• tummy (abdominal) pain
• pain on swallowing
• coughing
• being upset or irritable

Older children might have heartburn which is a burning feeling in the throat or chest.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose reflux based on symptoms. In other cases, they may need to do some tests which include:

• monitoring acid levels in the oesophagus and stomach over 24 hours (a pH study)
• watching how food is digested by x-ray (barium study)

Your doctor may suggest strategies to reduce symptoms. These may include:

• feeding your baby in an upright position
• winding your baby after small amounts of food
• keeping your baby in an upright position for at least 20 minutes after the feed

Sometimes your doctor or dietitian may try to make milk feeds thicker to see if this helps reduce symptoms. Some medicines can reduce the production of stomach acid. Others can neutralise the acid in the stomach.

Always seek advice from your doctor before starting reflux medications.

For some children, reflux problems can get better with time.

If symptoms continue or get worse, your child might need an operation. Ask your doctor if this could help your child.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOSH)