A recent study out of Boston Children’s Hospital may add a layer of confusion to parents struggling with their children’s GI issues. If you are dealing with a child with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, you know that you will do anything to help your child to stop hurting. A common “fix” is to prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to treat the condition.
This study looks at how a normal run of antibiotics for common problems like a chronic cough can cause an overgrowth of “bad” gastric bacteria in children on PPIs for reflux. There are several important things for parents to know about this study. First, it is extremely preliminary; much more study is needed.
Secondly, it is important to have a GI consultation if your child is suffering from chronic issues. Your pediatrician or other primary care physician will always be your first stop in diagnosing and treating your child’s needs. But chronic or worsening symptoms should be checked out by a pediatric gastroenterologist. For example, occasional diarrhea is a normal part of childhood; but chronic or worsening diarrhea could be IBS, Crohn’s, or Celiac disease.
GI Associates of Jackson, Mississippi, recognize the importance of the specialty within a specialty. We have a pediatric department within our practice, specializing in the needs of infants and children. Our physicians can consult with your pediatrician and determine if your child is on the right course of treatment. Often further testing is necessary, but rest assured, our pediatric staff is the place to be...special training plus the bedside manner you would want to see in a doctor treating your child.
If you have any concerns, request an appointment.
Share
