Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a prevalent paediatric condition commonly known as reflux. One of the most pallatable ways of administering reflux medication is to have a compounded omeprazole formula made up in a suspension by our compounding laboratory. It it a far nicer and easier way then dissolving tablets and can be flavoured to suit your childs needs. When made up, the expiration date of the suspension is kept at 30 days kept in the fridge to ensure maximum efficacy.
Most children start with a 5mg dose per day however your doctor or paediatrician will decide on what is appropriate for your child as each child is treated as an individual.
Omeprazole is generally well tolerated and side effects are limited, sometimes a change in bowel habit such as diarrhoea and constipation, vomiting or skin rash may occur, however unusual. If these side effects do appear please contact either us or your healthcare practitioner.
Babies cry for lots of different reasons and if your baby is healthy and well fed, the following symptoms may be the cause of discomfort. This group of symptoms are often referred to as Colic.
1. Wind – during the episode of intense crying, the baby may pass wind or burp.
2. Feeding/Sleeping- feeding can also be interrupted and irregular in episodes of intense crying.
3. Posture- most babies get clenched fists, arched back, drawn up knees and tensed abdominal muscles.
4. Intense crying which is categorised when the baby cries intensely and furiously with not much the parents can do to comfort the child. The babies face usually becomes red and flushed. These crying episodes usually occur at the same time every day (generally late afternoon/evening). These can last for a few minutes up to a few hours in some cases. Crying usually starts suddenly and for no apparant reason.
Before trying medical treatment, most parents will try over the counter preparations. There are many available such as simethicone, which makes it easier to expel gas bubbles. Other therapies include gripe water, gaviscon sachets which coat the oesophagus and neutralise the acid contents of the stomach, homeopathic and herbal preparations. Thickening the formula may also help in some cases.