4 year old son and reflux

[jusshell]

My son was diagnosed with reflux when he was an infant. He was on prilosec until the age of 2 1/2 and couldn't be taken off of it before then. He would start refluxing again. He was put on zantac for about a period of 3 mths when he was maybe 3 because he was sticking his hands down his throat and had a lot of stomach trouble. He has not been on any medication since then. He went through a period of about 3 mths right around his 4th birthday where he would throw up 2-3 times a mth in the morning and by noon was fine. He stopped and had been doing really good since then. He is almost 5 now and all of a sudden he is throwing up again. Twice in the past 2 weeks. He will get up in the morning, be sick a few hrs and then act like he was never sick. He has had the hi cups a lot lately too and hasn't been esting so well which seemed to be part of the reflux when he was younger. He was throwing up yellow liquid stuff this morning. I am assuming because he hadn't eaten anything but this is the first time he has done that and he always throws up after not eating and a lot of the time it will be clear phlygm like. I guess my questions are: is it possible that he is refluxing again? And if he is, my main concern is if he is going to always have problems with this? How can it affect him? Is it not a concern or should I be concerned? The dr's he has seen in the past don't seem to be very helpful and just when I found a good dr, she moved. So I don't know where to turn and would love any help I can get. Thank you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Further testing should be considered to ensure there isn't anything more serious going on.  This can include an upper endoscopy as well as 24-hr pH study.  

If GERD is confirmed, despite maximal medical therapy (often a combination of PPIs and H2 blockers), the a surgical referral can be considered for a more invasive therapy.  

I would consider a referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist to discuss optimizing medications.  A referral to a surgeon can be considered if the symptoms continue.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[SGJ]

I just really hope you read this,  he needs enzymes, raw food enzymes.  i am really sad that the doctor did not lead you in the right direction.  
sgj
Natural choice products might be your answer.

[ricojo]

A related discussion, eosinophilic esophagitis was started.