Managing GERD in Babies: What Really Works?

GERD is a frequent issue in babies, leading to spitting up, fussiness, and trouble eating. While it often gets better on its own, some babies face serious problems like inflammation, poor growth, or lung infections. The best way to handle it starts with simple changes, like adjusting feeding habits and thickening milk. These steps work well for most babies and avoid the need for medicine. Doctors usually suggest medications like proton pump inhibitors or histamine-2 receptor antagonists only when things get really bad. These drugs help heal the esophagus but don't always fix symptoms like fussiness or spitting up. Using them too much can cause problems like infections, changes in gut bacteria, and trouble absorbing nutrients. The big question is: Are we overusing these medications? Right now, the guidelines aren't clear, and more research is needed to figure out the best approach. The goal is to help babies feel better without unnecessary treatments.