I'm either far from infancy or in my second one. My doctor just put me on a PPI for two months to help heal my esophagus and vocal cords that are inflamed due to continual reflux. I didn't want to take them because of the risk of harm to my bones. I can't imagine giving such strong medication to an infant, especially without trying other approaches first.
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As a dentist who treats infants for TOTs, (tethered oral tissues, ie. tongue ties and lip ties), we have found that once the restriction is released and the baby can nurse properly, the medications are not needed. These medications are often given by well-meaning pediatricians who do not know how to properly diagnose TOTs. Most infants will spit up a little, but constant reflux, poor breastfeeding with pain are indications that there is a functional issue present that should be addressed.
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@David Stall, DMD YES! Thank you, from an IBCLC who sees this everyday!
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@David Stall, DMD a second thank you from another IBCLC who sees this every day! Let's find the root cause of the reflux rather than treating tiny humans with these very risky drugs.
It is shocking indeed to hear that the FDA has allowed toxic drugs on the market. And to infants, still. Reminds me of their permitting mercury to be given to infants in the form of teething powder back in the 1950's. Outrageous. This same FDA would find it outrageous to claim that mercury injected into children in their annual flu vaccine presents any risk! Risk? Ridiculous! It's too small a quantity to create any health problems.
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This is news is certainly not new. Studies have found that it PPI also affects the gut flora, and absorption of Vitamin B12, C, Calcium, Magnesium and Iron and it is only recommended for Adults to take for 6 weeks. Yet once an infant reaches 4kg they are given this medication. In 2017 PPI was the 3rd highest selling drug here, with over 12million scripts dispensed, we only have a population of 25million people!
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Babies with awful reflux don’t nurse well, which means they don’t sleep well, which means they’re overly tired and they don’t nurse well... To provide reflux medicine to your baby but also potentially weaken bone development is a Hobson’s choice for every parent.
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It seems very very strange to me that PPIs were used for infants considering the early worries, which included concerns about adults whose systems aren't as sensitive.
However, while one can see a summary of this study at the link provided, the full article is behind a ( steep) paywall. I would like to have known how common use is now, and whether it has declined from the times when the children in this study were treated.
Although reflux still exists with breast feeding it is less, so another reason to breast feed. Also, we don’t know what these drugs do to gut immunity.
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I took PPI’s for most of my 20’s and early 30’s and even as an athletic person, suffered knee, hip and back injuries. After getting off of these drugs 7 years ago, I have had no further injuries.
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This is not news. Research Nexium and there is an increase risk for bone fractures, especially among the elderly. This drug is advertised like candy but it can have some serious side effects if taken long term. Better to chew Tums and change the diet.
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All kinds of warnings have been attached to proton -pump inhibitors for adults let alone babies. I try to take the very lowest dose for erosions of the esophagus which can become pre- cancerous.. My conversations with my doctor revolve around "which is worse"- kidney disease, bone fractures associated with PPI's or agonizing hearburn associated with erosions. What a choice!
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Prolonged use of PPIs carry the risk of deficiencies in B12, C, Calcium, Magnesium and iron. It would make sense for doctors to prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements to babies who are diagnosed with gerd and need PPIs.
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Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
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