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Understanding reflux problems in infants, children and young people

25 July 2019
Clinical
02 July 2019
Volume 28 · Issue 14

Reflux in infants is a common condition, yet research indicates that it is often over diagnosed and poorly managed. Nurses are among the first contacts for parents/carers when concerns about a child's feeding arise. In order to ensure that they are provided with appropriate access to education and management options, it is essential that professionals are equipped with knowledge on the differences between reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and what interventions are in the best interests of the child and family.

This article discusses the common symptoms of reflux and GORD and what strategies can be developed to ensure effective nursing care is delivered from the outset.

In reflux and GORD the stomach contents (feeds) and acid are expelled upwards from the stomach through the lower oesophageal sphincter (cardiac sphincter) into the oesophagus and mouth (Terblanche, 2010; Douglas, 2013; Kirby et al, 2016).

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