Coughing and Gaging

We had a similar problem. After much frustration, we finally discovered/concluded that she had a reflux problem. Luckily, she didn't actually throw up too much. (I think she did the projectile stuff when she overate/ate too fast) We spent some time in the ER because of it and she did get dehydrated, so watch out for that. Talk with the dr. about it. After a few months, we were able to give DD Maalox 10 minutes before each feeding, which apparently cut down on the discomfort and allowed her to eat. Your reflux problem may be more severe in that she's coughing etc. I'd ask the dr. about a possible reflux problem though.

Just as a side note, this also meant that DD couldn't eat solid foods as soon as most kids either.

A., that sounds suspiciously like reflux. Both of my children dealt with it. One had it until she was 2 and the other had it until he was 1. I deal a lot with children who have a history of reflux and definately recommend you bring this up to your pediatrician. A little medication could make a bright future for your little one. I have a website with a link to info on reflux. You are welcome to check it out. Please dont hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
Good luck!
J.
www.jennifermcveyslp.com

A.,
Congrats an your little one! I would suggest taking her to the Dr. and asking them to educate you about trace aspiration that can cause cold or respiratory type symptoms. Sometimes you can try "Thick-It" to thicken the formula or breast milk just enough to slow dowm the flow of the breast milk or formula allowing her more time to coordinate the suck/swallow responce. They may have other recomendations for you to try, or may refer you to a feeding therapist {usually an occupational or speech therapist}.
A very important part of this equation is to avoid causing an eversion to feeding or oral stimulation. Some of the ways you con do this is by providing a lot of positive experience around the oral area. For example: lots of playful {always Pleasant} touch around her mouth, Making sure she has Teething type toys that she will playfully {soon on her own} bump into her face, tapping your fingers on her lips as she makes noises... All should be very pleasant interactions between the two of you! Start outside of the mouth then progress to the tip of the tounge and further into the mouth as she will allow. Deep pressure is usually tolerated better than light touch. IN other words, she should know exactly where something is around or in her mouth rather than feeling like it could possibly be going to choke her. Of course, don't put anything in there small enough to choke her. A pacifer may be a good thing for her to begin to experience her mouth as an area of comfort sa well as soothing. this way she is more likely to accept the nipple for feeding. All of these things should be done very slowly{over weeks} and ALWAYS a pleasant experience for both of you.
Sometimes feeding problems can become longterm if everthing around feeding becomes a negative experienc. So....keep it pleasant and get help if things keepbeing scary for her.
Best of luck!
P.S.
Aspiration can happen in very small amounts. If they do test for it, {probably after trying things clinically} they would do an oral-pharngeal motility type study by a radioligest. They would first probably have here swallow barium {hopefully the same thickness of her formula} and if they see aspiration May want to try giving her a few swallows that has been thickened with a thickening agent intended for infant foods to see if the thicker consistency stops the aspiration.
Also, When feeding, try to keep her positioned in as upright position as possible and keep her from tipping her head way back while feeding.

I would try mixing a little orange juice in water and giving it to her in a bottle. The juice is very nutritious, the acid may help cut the mucous and also help balance high alkaline level.

Hope this helps.

If this continues after the RSV is gone, ask your doctor for a referral to an early intervention speech therapist and occupational therapist. When an infant is involved, they can work with them to improve eating difficulties. They can determine if there is a rhythm problem or a muscle tone problem that could be causing the gagging.

Hi A.,

I only have a minute, but...call the doc! First, they are used to first-time moms, and projectile vomiting is always something to call about. Mine was somewhat of a gagger/spitter uper, but she did get Rotavirus when she was little and that caused this kind of vomiting (though I've heard they vaccinate for this now). In any case, if you notice a change for the worse, call! This is why the docs make the big bucks. ;-)

L.

I would take her now since she is so young. She could have aspirated some milk/formula. GIven that they already told you she has an overactive gag reflex, I would want to have her checked. You could request to have a swallowing study completed for her; usually by a speech/language pathologist.

Does she have a fever? I would think that if it was something majorly serious she would have a fever.