Parents should always seek medical advice if they are worried in any way about their infant, or themselves. In relation to gastro-oesophageal reflux, parents should especially seek medical advice if:
Their infant or child
- is very irritable, cries excessively or is inconsolable
- appears to be in pain
- does not sleep well and is easily disturbed
- has weight loss or poor weight gain
- develops hoarseness
- appears to be refluxing frequently
Their child complains of (NASPGHAN, 2004)
- food/fluid coming into the back of their throat or mouth
- heartburn or pain in the stomach or chest area
- difficult or painful swallowing
- food getting stuck
Their infant or child’s vomiting
- is of large volume
- is frequent
- is increasing in amount
- is forceful
- contains coffee ground-like material or is black, red or brown
- is green or yellow
With feeding, their infant or child
- refuses to eat/feed
- pulls off the bottle or breast; or frequently interrupts the feed
- is difficult to reattach to the breast or bottle
- arches their back, draws their legs up or screams
- is fussy or sensitive to different textures
- chokes or gags
- complains of pain (NDDIC, 2006)
Their infant or child has chest issues
- any increased breathing effort, particularly after vomiting (NDDIC, 2006) or during or after eating
- repeated coughing
- wheezing
- repeated chest infections or pneumonia
- apnoeas (breathing stops temporarily)
- cyanosis (turns blue) or colour changes (pale or blue) around their mouth or face
Either partner feels
- distressed
- overtired and exhausted
- confused about how to manage their child
- lacking support
- socially isolated because of their child’s behaviour
- depressed or feeling down/negative
- not eating
- not sleeping
- not coping
- excessively weepy
- worried that they might harm their child or themselves
RISA Checklist for medical consultations (Word)
RISA Checklist for medical consultations (pdf)
This checklist does not offer a medical diagnosis, but rather assists parents to record their concerns and provide a framework for a productive discussion with their medical professionals.
Download printable version of When to Seek Medical Advice
© Written by RISA Inc, revised by Glenda Blanch, RISA Inc member and author of “Reflux Reality: A Guide for Families” 2010
Additional information on gastro-oesophageal reflux is provided in our book “Reflux Reality: A Guide for Families”.
Works Cited
NASPGHAN. (2004, May 11). Parent’s Take Home Guide to GERD. Retrieved September 21, 2007, from North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition: http://www.naspghan.org/user-assets/Documents/pdf/diseaseInfo/GERD-E.pdf
NDDIC. (2006, August). Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children and Adolescents. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerinchildren/index.htm#4
NDDIC. (2006, August). Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerdinfant/index.htm