Link between dairy and reflux?

[Kade's Mummy]

Hello - my DS2 is 5 weeks old and I am fairly confident that like DS1 he is suffering from reflux. DS1's reflux was silent and he was put on Zantac, then Losec, but to be honest while these improved him slightly he wasn't 'fixed' until he just grew out of it around 1yo.

While DS2 isn't as bad (I don't think his is silent, and he doesn't scream as constantly!), he is still very unsettled and does the following:

- vomits often - usually projectile after feed, and then just possets right up to next feed. Usually cries after vomiting.
- feeding every 2-3 hrs during day
- cat naps
- wakes crying
- not happy on his back (e.g. playmat)
- feeding 3-4 hours at night, but unsettled between feeds (grunts, groans, vomits, cries)
- very snuffly
- hiccups often
- sneezes often
- prefers to be held constantly
- sometimes cries while feeding on the breast (he is fully breastfed)

My question is - is there a link between reflux and dairy intolerance? I am considering cutting dairy from my diet to see the effect. Do you have any advice re: this? Are some dairy foods worse offenders than others (e.g yogurt worse than butter) or must I cut everything out to see its impact?

I suppose I don't want to waste time trying this if he actually needs Zantac (I'd prefer to go straight to the GP).

Many thanks!!

[RISA]

Hi,
Congratulations on your new little man!! I'm sorry that he is displaying signs of reflux as well, but it sounds like you are doing a great job.

and to answer your question- yes, there can be a link between reflux and dairy intolerances (or allergies). Medical studies show that approximately 40% of babies under the age of 12 months have reflux that is caused by cows milk allergy, and so it may be worth you experimenting.

I would like to recommend that you talk to your doctor first though, so that you can get that diagnosis of reflux, and make sure that is what you are dealing with. While your first son had reflux, and while it is very possible your new bub also has reflux, there are other conditions that can present similarly, so it is really important to make sure of that. e.g. it doesn't make sense to treat it as reflux, to find out later that it may be an infection of some kind.

Once you get that diagnosis, it doesn't automatically follow that medications will be prescribed, especially if you are not comfortable with the idea (yet). Given the close relationship to dairy sensitivities, then it may be great idea to consider the food sensitivity angle. If you do go ahead with that, it is important for you to not only avoid yoghurt, butter etc, it is important that you avoid all traces of cows milk (protein). This involves reading labels, and learning all the hidden ingredients such as whey, casein, lactalbumin. In sensitive babies, even trace amounts can affect them (sorry).

It may also be worth knowing that about half the babies who are sensitive to cows milk, are also sensitive to soy products. I have known some babies who are in fact more sensitive to soy than they are to cows milk. It can help knowing that, especially if you intend swapping soy for cows milk in the interim.

It is also important that if you do notice an improvement (it can take a couple of weeks), that you seek advice from a dietitian who specialises in food sensitivities. Diets that are restricted for too long, without medical guidance, can cause a lot of problems, and especially in your bub. The dietitian association of australia can help put you in touch with a dietitian in your area.

They can help you with your diet, and ensure it is balanced, as it is so important, and they can also help you with making sure you aren't eliminating foods that aren't necessary to avoid.

There is information at www.ozemail.com.au/~breakey/ that you may find helpful.

I hope that helps, and please see your doctor before starting off on an elimination diet.

Glenda