Treatment

For most babies, making some adjustments to feeding will ease infant reflux until it resolves on its own.

Medications

Reflux medications aren't recommended for children with uncomplicated reflux. However, a short-term trial of an acid-blocking medication — such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB) or famotidine (Pepcid AC) for infants ages 1 month to 1 year or omeprazole magnesium (Prilosec) for children age 1 year or older — might be recommended if your baby:

• Has poor weight gain and more-conservative treatments haven't worked
• Refuses to feed
• Has evidence of an inflamed esophagus
• Has chronic asthma and reflux

Surgery

Rarely, the lower esophageal sphincter is surgically tightened to prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus. This procedure is usually done only when reflux is severe enough to prevent growth or to interfere with your baby's breathing.