It’s not unusual for babies to bring up milk after feeding or for young children to complain of tummy discomfort. Most of the time, these episodes of reflux are harmless and simply part of normal development. However, when reflux becomes frequent, painful, or starts to affect a child’s feeding, growth, or wellbeing, it may be something more a condition known as Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease, or GORD.
At Paediatric Gut Investigation Clinic in Crawley, West Sussex, we see many families whose children are struggling with reflux symptoms. While it can be distressing to watch your child in discomfort, the good news is that with the right investigations and management, most babies or children make a full recovery and feel much happier and healthier.
What Is GORD?
To understand GORD, it helps to first know what reflux actually is. The oesophagus, or food pipe, carries food from the mouth to the stomach. At the base of the oesophagus sits a ring of muscle called the lower oesophageal sphincter, which acts like a valve, opening to allow food through and then closing to keep stomach contents from coming back up. In babies and young children, this muscle is often underdeveloped or may relax at the wrong time, allowing milk or food mixed with stomach acid to flow backwards.
This backward flow known as gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is common in infancy and typically causes no harm. However, when reflux happens so often or so forcefully that it causes pain, feeding problems, or inflammation of the oesophagus, it becomes GORD a more serious and persistent condition that may require medical attention.
Why Does It Happen?
There isn’t always a single cause of GORD. In babies, the most common reason is simply immaturity. Their digestive systems are still developing, and they spend a lot of time lying down, which makes reflux more likely. Over time, as the oesophageal muscles strengthen and they begin to sit up and eat solid foods, most babies naturally outgrow reflux.
In older children, the causes are more varied. Sometimes GORD runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. In other cases, it may be linked to dietary triggers, such as chocolate, citrus, or tomato-based foods, which can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter. Being overweight or having a structural problem like a hiatus hernia can also make reflux worse. Certain medications, asthma, and even stress can contribute too.
While mild reflux is nothing unusual, persistent symptoms should not be ignored especially if they interfere with a child’s appetite, growth, or sleep.
Recognising the Signs
GORD can look quite different depending on a child’s age. In babies, it often presents as frequent vomiting or regurgitation, irritability during or after feeds, and episodes of back arching or crying that may suggest discomfort. Some babies refuse to feed altogether, and others may struggle to gain weight despite normal feeding patterns. Persistent coughing, choking or gagging during feeds, or difficulty sleeping can also be clues.
Older children, on the other hand, may describe a burning sensation in the chest, commonly referred to as heartburn, or they might mention a sour or bitter taste in their mouth after eating. They can experience stomach pain, nausea, or regurgitation when food or acid comes back up the throat. Sometimes, GORD in children presents less obviously, with a chronic cough, hoarse voice, or reluctance to eat certain foods.
These symptoms can easily be mistaken for other issues, so careful assessment by a paediatric specialist is important.
When to Seek Help
Many mild cases of reflux can be managed at home through simple feeding advice and reassurance. But if your baby is persistently uncomfortable, refusing feeds, losing weight, or showing signs of pain, it’s important to seek medical evaluation. Likewise, older children who regularly experience heartburn, chest pain, or regurgitation should not be left untreated.
At Paediatric Gut Investigation Clinic, we provide comprehensive assessment for infants and children experiencing reflux symptoms. Our team understands that parents often arrive feeling anxious and exhausted after months of feeding struggles or sleepless nights. We take time to listen carefully, review your child’s medical history, and plan the right investigations to identify what’s really happening.
How GORD Is Investigated
Every child is different, and so is every case of reflux. Some children need only a simple clinical assessment and dietary review, while others benefit from more detailed investigations to understand the severity of their condition.
At our private clinic in Crawley, we offer a full range of diagnostic tests designed specifically for children and young people. One of the most common is pH or impedance monitoring, which measures acid and non-acid reflux episodes over 24 hours. This test involves placing a very thin, soft tube through the nose into the oesophagus it’s well tolerated and provides valuable information about how often reflux occurs and whether it’s causing discomfort.
In some cases, a paediatric endoscopy may be recommended. This involves gently passing a small camera through the mouth while the child is under light sedation, allowing our specialists to see inside the oesophagus and stomach, check for inflammation, and take biopsies if needed. The procedure is safe and carried out by highly experienced paediatric gastroenterologists in a calm, child-friendly environment.
Other tests may include food allergy and food intolerance screening, or feeding assessments, especially if a cow’s milk protein allergy or swallowing difficulty is suspected. Our goal is always to identify the root cause of your child’s symptoms and tailor treatment accordingly.
Treatment and Ongoing Care
Once we have a clear diagnosis, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan suited to your child’s age, lifestyle, and needs. For many infants, simple adjustments can make a big difference — feeding smaller amounts more often, keeping the baby upright after feeds, and ensuring milk formulas or weaning foods are appropriate for their age. In some cases, thickened feeds may be recommended.
If symptoms persist, medication may be needed to reduce stomach acid or help food move through the digestive system more efficiently. These medicines are used carefully and only when truly necessary, with close monitoring for effectiveness and side effects. Our team takes the time to explain every step, ensuring you feel comfortable with the treatment choices.
Older children and teenagers may also benefit from dietary and lifestyle guidance. Avoiding known trigger foods, eating smaller meals, maintaining a healthy weight, and not lying down immediately after eating can all help to control symptoms. We often find that reassurance and education play a major role too once families understand what’s happening and why, they can manage reflux much more confidently.
The Outlook for Children with GORD
The vast majority of babies with reflux improve as they grow, often by their first birthday. For older children and teenagers, GORD can usually be managed very effectively with the right combination of treatment and follow-up care. In rare cases where symptoms remain severe despite medical management, surgical options may be considered, but these are uncommon.
At Paediatric Gut Investigation Clinic, our focus extends beyond short-term symptom relief. We aim to support long-term digestive health and wellbeing. Follow-up appointments are arranged as needed to ensure your child’s symptoms are improving, medications are working appropriately, and feeding and growth remain on track. Our team of consultants, nurses, and allied specialists provide continuity of care in a supportive, family-centred environment.
Why Choose Paediatric Gut Investigation Clinic?
Our private clinic in Crawley, West Sussex offers a dedicated service for children with digestive and feeding difficulties. We combine advanced diagnostic technology with years of paediatric expertise and a warm, compassionate approach that helps children and parents feel at ease. We understand how worrying it can be when your child is unwell, and we’re committed to providing clear answers, fast access to testing, and personalised treatment.
Families choose us because we focus on more than just the medical side we also recognise the emotional toll reflux can take. Feeding your baby should be a positive experience, not a source of stress or anxiety. Our team will guide you through every stage, from the first consultation to ongoing support, helping your child feel comfortable, happy, and healthy again.
Take the Next Step
If your baby or child is showing signs of reflux or GORD, you don’t have to wait and worry. Early assessment can make a real difference both in easing symptoms and in preventing longer-term complications.
Contact Paediatric Gut Investigation Clinic today to arrange a private consultation at our clinic in Crawley, West Sussex. You can call us directly or book online through our website.
We’ll take the time to understand your concerns, carry out any necessary investigations, and put together a clear plan to help your child thrive again. Because every child deserves a happy, comfortable tummy and every parent deserves peace of mind.