Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). What a sad conversation.
Every day in my clinic I am presented with distressed
children and desperate parents who are told to “tough it out.” Who are told (or inferred) that they are
inadequate parents, or that their child is “just being naughty” or “going
through a developmental crying stage.”
One of my mums sent this email today: “I have been at a
doctor appointment today and my doctor has told me to try to wean by child off omeprazole,
as there has been a recent study out saying that babies shouldn't be having this
medication as the long term effects aren't known. Can you please advise me on
what I should do as I don't want to cause more harm than good by giving it to
him but at the same time he is drinking well [before he went onto omeprazole he
was having major feeing and sleeping issues]
Thank you.”
First do no harm. Surely
there is a medical imperative to look at the long-term harm to your baby, who
is left in pain for months and sometimes years, untreated, with esophageal
burning day after day. Developing
hyper-vigilance and behavior disorders.
The distressed parents coping with depression, sleep deprivation and
inadequate bonding to their child. The
separation or divorce precipitated by endless nights of inconsolable
crying. The feeding disorders that stem
from chronic gut pain and regurgitation, with difficulty introducing
solids. Children who are not thriving
and whose brain growth might be compromised.
I don’t understand the reluctance of so many doctors to turn
a blind eye to reflux disease and allow such obvious suffering. It is a serious well documented condition. The
very-long-term side effects on all modern medications are unknown. Speculative. Omeprazole has been used for over 30 years with
an excellent safety track record. We
know that untreated GERD can be a disaster.
My plea is to have compassion on these babies and children
and let them have the medication that they need.
Dr Rodney Ford
