How to Test for GERD in Newborns

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a disorder that affects adults, children, and newborns. If your newborn is suffering from GERD, she may exhibit symptoms such as fussiness after eating, breathing problems, vomiting, or malnutrition. Burping and spitting up in newborns as a result of GERD is caused by reflux. Reflux occurs when acidic stomach contents are pushed into the esophagus. In newborns, formula or breast milk will be forced into the esophagus or out of the mouth. There are a number of tests that your doctor can perform to determine if your newborn is suffering from GERD.

Things You'll Need

• Barium
• X-ray
• Medical tube
• Milk scan liquid
• Fiberoptic camera

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Instructions

• 1

  Your newborn's physician will perform a barium swallow test. With this test, your newborn will swallow barium--a liquid that will appear on an x-ray. The x-ray will show liquid coming back up into the esophagus; it can also show whether or not your newborn's esophagus is irritated, or if her upper digestive tract is abnormal in any way.

• 2

  The doctor will perform a 24-hour pH-probe study. This study involves inserting a medical tube into your newborn's nose. The tube is then pushed into the esophagus, stopping at the sphincter. The doctor will use the tube to determine the acid levels in your newborn's esophagus. High levels of acid means your newborn is suffering from GERD. This is the most reliable GERD test.

• 3

  Have a milk scan performed. A milk scan is a series of x-rays that will show if the liquid your newborn is refluxing is being inhaled into her lungs. The doctor can also determine whether or not your newborn's stomach is emptying liquids too slowly.

• 4

  Your newborn's doctor may perform an upper endoscopy. This test requires the doctor to look at your newborn's esophagus, stomach, and a part of her small intestines using a very small fiberoptic camera. GERD can be diagnosed by using the camera to take a sample of your newborn's esophageal lining. The sample is then biopsied to determine if your newborn is suffering from GERD.