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Conditions that Mimic Infant Reflux
The symptoms of reflux can often be confused with other illnesses, conditions, or diseases. When talking about infant gastro-esophageal reflux, however, there are only a few conditions with which it can potentially be confused, and most are rare. Please keep this in mind when looking at the conditions listed below.
In a newborn, there are two medical issues that can masquerade as GER. They are hydrocephalus (an abnormal amount and build-up of cerebra-spinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain) and pyloric stenosis (forceful vomiting due to the stomach's bottom valve being enlarged). The difference with these two conditions is that the symptoms worsen as time goes on and the 'spitting up' becomes full-fledged vomiting/projectile vomiting.
Other conditions are:
HIATUS HERNIA:
This is when part of the stomach is in the chest, rather than in the abdomen. Specifically, when symptoms mimic reflux, it is because the diaphragm is in the upper part of the stomach (rather than the lower esophagus). In infants, a hiatus hernia is usually a congenital abnormality (i.e. present from birth) and is usually diagnosed in the first week of life.
ASTHMA:
Refer to the article Asthma and Reflux: A Definite Connection.
COLIC:
Refer to the article Colic or Infant Reflux?
ESOPHAGITIS:
This is characterized by inflammation in the esophagus. This can be common in GER sufferers, but esophagitis is not just caused by reflux. The inflammation may be present due to other things such as food allergies, infection, chemical irritants, etc.
PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE (PUD):
This commonly pertains to gastric and duodenal ulcers, which occur in the stomach or in the intestinal lining. They are thought to occur due to an excess production of stomach acid, and if they develop deeply enough, they can cause bleeding. Again, PUD is rare in children. According to some recent US research, only 5 in 100,000 children will be diagnosed with this.
If you have questions regarding this article please visit our forums.
Written by: TwinMum, Sarah
Read more about Reflux Information:
Colic or Infant Reflux?,
Asthma and Infant Reflux / GERD - A Definite Connection,
Reflux and Dental Problems,
Reflux and Speech,
Twins with Infant reflux,
Can Infections be Caused by Reflux?
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