123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Health >> View Article

The New "colic"

Profile Picture
By Author: Cyndra Neal
Total Articles: 916
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

Colic. That word strikes fear into the hearts of new moms and pediatricians everywhere. Although theories abound, very little is known about colic. It comes on as mysteriously as it disappears. Parents inundate pediatric offices and emergency rooms, sure that something is seriously wrong with their infant. Some pediatricians send the parents home with only assurances that their baby will grow out of it. But a disturbing trend is developing among many pediatricians to diagnose colic symptoms as acid reflux and to prescribe Zantac, Prevacid or other acid reflux medications without doing any diagnostic tests. Many pediatricians prescribe acid reflux medications as a test for reflux. Some mothers report their pediatricians prescribed acid reflux medications over the phone without even seeing the infant. The parents are happy because they have something to possibly alleviate the obvious pain their baby is suffering. The pediatricians are happy to be able to prescribe something that might help. The pharmaceutical companies are certainly happy. And the baby…well the baby could still be suffering from colic as well ...
... as the added side effects (restlessness, constipation) of the acid reflux medications. The baby may now be prescribed other medications to help counteract the side effects.

Dr. Linda Palmer, author of Baby Matters, writes: "Since the development of new expensive drugs for gastric acid reflux, most crying babies are diagnosed with GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease and prescribed the new proton pump inhibitor drugs such as Prilosec and Prevacid. Parents usually find that these provide little help, if any. Current studies reveal that there is great randomness to the symptoms used to diagnose GERD, that while the drugs will reduce acid in the stomach and esophagus they do not reduce baby's colic symptoms or other symptoms, and that GERD drugs increase intestinal infections and pneumonia. While the GERD diagnosis and prescription of these drugs is lucrative, it sadly steers parents away from finding real solutions for their baby."

Certainly, acid reflux in various forms such as Ger (Gastro Esophageal Reflux), Gerd (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and Silent reflux can be part of colic and acid reflux prescription medication can help. Some babies may even suffer from an underdeveloped esophageal sphincter and require surgery but there are tests to determine these problems which should be administered before prescription drugs. Even Celiac disease (sensitivity to gluten) can cause Gerd symptoms that, once diagnosed, can be helped by a gluten free diet. However, doctors are tracked by many insurance companies according to the number of tests they order and feel tremendous pressure to keep medical costs down. Diagnostics that may be seen as "unnecessary" may not be ordered.

Reflux isn't always caused by over-production of acid. Gas bubbles in the stomach caused by formula, breast milk or improper feeding can cause reflux by forcing the stomach contents back into the esophagus. Parents who take the time to educate themselves and are wary to use prescription drugs without proper testing should know there are natural, safe, homeopathic treatments with minimal side effects to help an infant's immature digestive system cope with gas and the intense intestinal discomfort it can cause.

For more information and support with acid reflux, a group called PAGER (Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association) may be helpful.

Authors Bio:

Cyndra Neal answers questions every day from moms who are searching for relief for their babies with colick and baby reflux. She has written several articles on family issues published in Parenting Journals website.

Total Views: 325Word Count: 570See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Health Articles

1. The Vital Role Of Hospital Elevators In Modern Healthcare Facilities
Author: Harsh Shahi

2. Unlocking The Benefits Of A 3-day Water Fast: A Journey To Inflammation Reduction, Longevity, And Gut Healing
Author: Dr. Nick Zyrowski

3. Is Credelio Plus Good For Dogs?
Author: VetSupply

4. Best Dental Clinic In Nagpur. Dr. Suryawanshi’s Dental Clinic
Author: Priyanka Suryawanshi

5. What Is The Difference Between Frontline Plus And Frontline Original For Dogs?
Author: VetSupply

6. What Is Icsi Treatment And Its Cost?
Author: SCI IVF Hospital

7. Is Advantage For Dogs Any Good?
Author: VetSupply

8. What Is An Advantage For Cats Medicine?
Author: VetSupply

9. Prioritise Your Health: Get An Essential Health Checkup In Thane
Author: Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory

10. Why Does My Nose Run When I Eat? Symptoms And Treatment
Author: AllergyX

11. What Is Advantix Used For In Dogs?
Author: VetSupply

12. The Healing Power Of Hot Tubs: 7 Health Benefits You Didn’t Know About
Author: Andrew Strauss

13. Write A 1500 Words Blog On This Topic - Does Frontline Plus Really Work On Cats?
Author: VetSupply

14. Maternity Hospital In Jaipur
Author: YATIKA

15. The Importance Of A First Aid Dressing Kit In Emergencies
Author: medguard

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: