Silent reflux

[emyandpotato]

I don't know much about it but have been constantly wondering if he has it for a few weeks now, as he seems very much like a reflux baby, but without the throwing up.

He's 7 weeks and very fussy. He seems to strain a lot as if he has cramps or is constipated, but he definitely isn't the latter as he has dirty nappies every hour. He seems most uncomfortable in the middle of and after feeds. He's gaining weight fine so is getting enough, but is just constantly unsettled.

He often sounds like he has something in his throat, like when you have a chesty cough, except he doesn't have a cough.

He hates being lain down flat and will only very rarely sleep on his back. That said, he'll tolerate his baby gym for about ten minutes when he's in the mood, but he really doesn't like being held in a laid down position or being put to sleep in that position. He hates tummy time.

He cluster feeds all the time. It's not a few hours in the evening, it's all day. I've read that reflux babies can do this.

Does it sound like possible silent reflux? If so what can I do about it?

 

[broodymrs]

Does sound a bit refluxy. Gaviscon worked wonders for us. Speak to your dr about it.

 

[Cattia]

My DS had silent reflux and was very similar. His weight gain was great (above 99th centile for weight and height) but he was constantly unsettled. He cried ALL the time. He would never let me put him down. He would not tolerate his play mat at all or the mosses basket or pram. I could get about ten minutes out of him in the bouncer. He was a terrible sleeper. He was never sick but was always writhing and straining. He also had hiccups all the time. Gaviscon did nothing for us. I cut out all dairy and soya from my diet as I was breastfeeding and that seemed to help a bit. I held him upright for 20 minutes after every feed. I co-slept as he would not settle otherwise. In the end we got him on omeprazole. He gradually improved and by 4 months his symptoms were very much more manageable. By 6 months they were almost gone and I re-introduced dairy when I was weaning him with no problems.

 

[emyandpotato]

My DS had silent reflux and was very similar. His weight gain was great (above 99th centile for weight and height) but he was constantly unsettled. He cried ALL the time. He would never let me put him down. He would not tolerate his play mat at all or the mosses basket or pram. I could get about ten minutes out of him in the bouncer. He was a terrible sleeper. He was never sick but was always writhing and straining. He also had hiccups all the time. Gaviscon did nothing for us. I cut out all dairy and soya from my diet as I was breastfeeding and that seemed to help a bit. I held him upright for 20 minutes after every feed. I co-slept as he would not settle otherwise. In the end we got him on omeprazole. He gradually improved and by 4 months his symptoms were very much more manageable. By 6 months they were almost gone and I re-introduced dairy when I was weaning him with no problems.

Thanks! Apart from the fact your LO didn't like the play mat I could have said everything here about my own LO. He won't let me put him down either, and if I do it's only for a few minutes at most. We cosleep, or rather, he sleeps in my arms comfort sucking all night.

Did you get a diagnosis from your GP? Is it them who suggested cutting dairy? Getting rid of chocolate makes me wanna cry but I guess if it's what will help then it's definitely worth a try!

 

[Smanderson]

Hiya, my DS had terrible reflux, he wouldn't vomit all the time but when he did it was big! He used to arch his back, pull his legs up, he'd go almost purple crying. He fed little and often. Apparently the milk is soothing for them initially and then hurts again which is why they feed so often. He would only have short naps until he got used to his swing then he would nap for 45 mins ish. He used to only sleep on our chests but eventually with his cot propped up at one end would sleep in his cot. The docs say it's more painful if they don't vomit as the acid goes up then down so burns twice. I'd suggest getting your LO to your docs. It may take some time getting the meds right but trust your instincts and keep seeing the GP until you are happy he is ok and comfortable. I'd recommend using a swing or bouncer to keep LO upright as much as possible and a baby carrier or sling. My DS is 2 and the happies little boy the difficulties with reflux passed by the time he was around 6 months old and he was completely med free by 1. I hear osteopaths are good for reflux and colic though we never used one, I sometimes wish we had at least tried it. Good luck with GP I hope your DS is able to settle soon xxx

 

[Kazy]

Yup. I had a similar experience. My lo cried all the time but hardly ever slit up. I just knew something g was wrong. Problem was my Dr didn't give serious consideration to my concerns because she wasn't spitting up and was gaining fine. On a whim I tried cutting out dairy and it saved my life. Honestly.within 4 days my daughter went from crying if she was awake to a generally happy baby. It's worth.a try imo. And push your pediatrician if necessary to consider meds if you feel you need to try it. Sometimes they aren't too concerned when babies are gaining OK and you may have to really speak up. That's my only regret is that I didnt get help and instead let him tell me it wasn't a problem since she was putting on weight. I should have gotten help immediately.