Gastreosophageal Reflux commonly referred to as "Reflux" or "Acid Reflux" is a problem in some infants, as well as adults. However, in infants, you often will not know because they are unable to tell you. The food regurgitating up and down in their esophogus causes intense burning and pain, crying, frequent spitting up or vomiting, refusal to eat, choking and/or wheezing, and sometimes even damage to the esophogus itself. Some or all of these symptoms can be present. There are methods you can use to treat the symptoms of Reflux, as well as positioning and feeding techniques to make the child more comfortable. In some instances, medication or even surgical techniques are required. More information on this illness is available on various websites. We are listing some of the websites for you to visit to obtain more information as needed.
PAGER (Pediatric/Adolescent Gastreosophageal Reflux Association) has a website at www.reflux.org. You can also find our more about Infant Reflux Disease at www.infantrefluxdisease.com ,http://www.gerd.com , or www.heartburntreatmentinfo4u.com . All of these sites have useful information regarding the condition itself and the methods of treatment. There are many more sites that can also add to your personal library of information and you can search for them on www.google.com. If your child exhibits signs of Reflux, and after investigating these sites yourself, you think he/she does have the illness, do not make your own assessment. Visit the child's pediatrician and let them make the diagnosis. You may be referred to a specialist for further testing. And, if you are not satisfied with the pediatrician's assessment, get a second opinion. No one knows a child as well as the caregiver does.
If you find yourself searching for more information on the surgical procedure used to correct severe cases of GERD, a short video is made available and can be viewed at the Heartburn Help.com website.
Asthma is a common childhood illness and while some children outgrow it, some do not, and carry the illness into adulthood. Knowledge of the illness, and how to recognize signs and symptoms of an asthma onset, are both extremely important to know when caring for a child with Asthma. Here are some websites that will help you gain knowledge in understanding asthma and how to treat it. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has information available in english and En Espaņol. The American Lung Association will help you with an interactive treatment option program for the child with Asthma, weighing the pros and cons of each treatment program. If you feel your child is not benefiting enough from the treatment he/she is receiving, ask your pediatrician for a referral to an Asthma & Allergy Specialist, or visit the Children's Hospital Asthma Information Web Page. You may also reach the Asthma Clinic at Children's Hospital by calling them directly at 1-800-788-9029.
Childhood Immunizations
Do you know when an infant should receive Immunization Shots? Visit this link to print out a schedule of Infant Immunizations in english or En Espaņol. Immunizations for children up to age 2 are free through various San Diego County locations.
San Diego Autism Society
The San Diego Autism Society has a website for those dealing with an Autistic child, or searching for information on Autism. They are dedicated to increasing public awareness about Autism and the day to day issues faced by individuals with the disorder. Through their website you can gain access to an "Autism Spectrum Disorder Resource Guide" intended to assist parents in their journey toward reaching optimal services, both locally and nationally, for their children with Autism. The Guide (available in English and En Espaņol) also provides names for Special Education Contacts within the San Diego County School Districts and lists local activities and support groups for Autistic children and their families. Perhaps you are concerned that the child you are caring for is an Autistic child. You can access a "checklist" in English and En Espaņol with Autism traits. Early intervention is critical and you could make the difference by interceding on their behalf . Visit this very educational and informative web site at www.sandiegoautismsociety.org or call The San Diego Autism Society at (619) 298-1981.
The March of Dimes is a website that you will find beneficial for information on premature infants, as well as information on Birth Defects and Genetic Conditions. Visit their website at www.marchofdimes.com
Is Your Preemie At Risk For RSV?
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial virus) disease is a very common, highly contagious and potentially serious virus that infects almost all children before the age of two. Most get cold-like symptoms and fight off the virus easily. However, some infants, especially premature infants born more than 4 weeks early, become seriously ill because their lungs aren't fully developed and their bodies cannot fight the infection. Knowing the risk factors and how to prevent your infant from getting RSV are very important and you can find out this information, as well as much more about RSV, by visiting www.rsvprotect.com or calling the toll free RSV Hotline at 1-877-848-8510. More information on RSV can also be found on the American Academy of Pediatrics at http://www.aap.org
