Paediatric Reflux

If your child is experiencing persistent regurgitation, discomfort during feeding, or unexplained irritability, it may be due to paediatric reflux. At Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare, our private paediatricians provide prompt, expert evaluations and personalised treatment plans to manage reflux effectively, ensuring your child’s comfort and healthy development.

Why Choose Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare for Paediatric Reflux?

• Specialist Paediatric Expertise
  Our experienced paediatricians are well-versed in diagnosing and managing reflux in children, from mild cases to more severe forms that may require further intervention.
• Comprehensive Evaluations
  We conduct thorough assessments—including detailed feeding histories, growth monitoring, and physical examinations—to identify the underlying causes of your child’s reflux symptoms.
• Individualised Treatment Plans
  Whether it’s through dietary adjustments, thickened feeds, or medication, we tailor our management strategies to your child’s specific needs.
• Family-Centred, Compassionate Care
  We understand the concern reflux can cause for parents. Our team provides clear communication and ongoing support to help you feel confident about your child’s care.
• Convenient Access
  With appointments available at both our Dulwich and Belgravia clinics, we offer fast, private consultations with minimal waiting times.

Understanding Paediatric Reflux

Paediatric reflux (often referred to as gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR)) is common in infants and young children. It occurs when stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus, which can lead to symptoms such as:

• Regurgitation or Spitting Up
  Often seen in infants, this is usually a normal part of development, but persistent or forceful reflux may require attention.
• Feeding Difficulties
  Your child might refuse feeds or seem uncomfortable during or after feeding.
• Irritability and Disturbed Sleep
  Discomfort caused by reflux can affect your child’s mood and sleep patterns.
• Poor Weight Gain
  In more severe cases (known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, GERD), reflux can impact nutrition and growth.

Understanding whether your child’s reflux is within the normal range or requires further evaluation is key to ensuring they receive the appropriate care.

Who Might Need a Specialist Paediatric Reflux Evaluation?

A specialist consultation may be necessary if your child:

• Regurgitates Frequently: Excessive spit-up that appears forceful or persistent beyond the typical infant stage.
• Shows Signs of Discomfort: Fussiness, arching of the back during or after feeds, or distress that interferes with sleep.
• Experiences Feeding Difficulties: Refusal to feed, prolonged feeding times, or signs of pain during feeds.
• Has Poor Weight Gain: Inadequate growth or failure to thrive potentially related to insufficient nutritional intake.
• Exhibits Respiratory Symptoms: In some cases, reflux may lead to coughing or wheezing, suggesting aspiration.

What to Expect from Our Paediatric Reflux Services

1. Initial Consultation & History
• You’ll meet with one of our paediatricians to discuss your child’s feeding patterns, regurgitation frequency, behaviour, and any growth concerns.
• We review your child’s medical history, including any previous treatments or interventions.
2. Comprehensive Examination
• A detailed physical examination is performed, focusing on the abdomen and overall nutritional status.
• Growth parameters (weight, length, head circumference) are measured and compared to standard UK growth charts.
3. Diagnostic Tests (If Needed)
• In some cases, we may recommend additional investigations such as a pH probe study or barium swallow X-ray to assess the severity of reflux.
• These tests help clarify whether reflux is causing significant discomfort or affecting nutritional intake.
4. Feedback & Management Plan
• We provide clear, prompt feedback about our findings.
• Your paediatrician will discuss individualised management options, whether that involves feeding adjustments, dietary modifications, or medication.

Treatment & Support Pathways

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, we work closely with you to ensure the right interventions are in place:

• Dietary and Feeding Modifications
• Thickened Feeds: For infants, we may recommend adding safe thickening agents to formula or expressed breast milk to reduce regurgitation.
• Frequent, Smaller Feeds: Adjusting feeding routines to minimise discomfort.
• Upright Positioning: Advising on feeding positions and post-feed upright time to help keep stomach contents down.
• Medical Management
• In cases where reflux is severe or affects growth, medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor antagonists might be considered.
• We carefully assess the risks and benefits, ensuring any treatment is safe and appropriate for your child.
• Ongoing Monitoring
• Regular follow-up appointments monitor your child’s growth and the effectiveness of the management plan.
• Adjustments to the treatment plan are made as needed, ensuring continuous improvement in symptoms and overall well-being.
• Parental Support & Education
• We provide guidance and practical tips for managing reflux at home, including dietary advice and feeding strategies.
• Our goal is to empower you with knowledge so that you feel confident in your child’s care.

Book Your Paediatric Reflux Consultation

If you’re concerned about your child’s reflux symptoms or notice that regurgitation is affecting their feeding, comfort, or growth, Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare is here to help. Our private paediatricians provide comprehensive assessments and personalised treatment plans designed to ease symptoms and promote healthy development.

Contact us today to schedule a priority appointment at our Dulwich or Belgravia clinic. Let our dedicated team support you and your child on the path to improved comfort and well-being.

Other Services we offer: 

Private Gynaecologists

Private GP

Private Paediatrician

Private Obstetrician & Maternity Hospital

Private Colposcopy