My almost five month old daughter has reflux.  Lately she's in the process of cutting teeth.  She's got a lot of extra drool and is coughing more.  I think it's kinda aggrivating her reflux.  Anyhow-yesterday I was at a doctor's office waiting room and she was asleep in her carseat and I looked down-she was fine.  Seconds later I looked down again and I didn't see her tummy rising and I freaked.  Then suddenly she coughed and had a sour look on her face.  Clearly she probably had some acid coming up her throat.  What scared me was I don't know if I was just overparanoid or if she really wasn't breathing for a short time and would reflux cause that?  I've never noticed this before.  I'm scared to death.  Please give me any info you can.  Thanks!

the best way to find out is to talk to her doctor and tell him what you saw and your doubts about acid reflux as well as apneas; remember you are the only one that can talk for your baby and the most accurate person that can give information about it; people with sleep apnea have a great incidence of suffering from acid reflux and therefore both diseases should be addressed. Do not panic, think clearly or at least try to think clearly, in order for you to give an accurate report to his doctor. if the baby is really having acid reflux you better raise her bed, put an extra pillow to raise his head and also try not to feed the baby and put her to sleep immediately, give him about two hours to put him to sleep, so that the food can go down to his stomach; another way you can help your child is by putting him to sleep on his side, put a pillow on his back to keep him in that position; these positions, on his side and raised the pillows will avoid bronchoaspiration of food content, which could be dangerous and can go to his lungs.

I know that when our son was diagnosed with central apnea, the first thing they tested him for was reflux. Apparently, if a child (or adult) has significant reflux, the brain will actually instruct the person not to breathe so they do not aspirate on the reflux. Our pulmonologist said this is the most common reason for a baby to have central apnea and is easily treated with Zantac and/or Reglan. We loved the Reglan and hated the Zantac.  I will offer this advice beyond what was already offered by the previous person (who is absolutely correct, by the way!): When they suggest that he get an Upper GI (which they will), ask specifically for either a GER scan or a PH Test. The GER scan is the least invasive and best test for actual reflux and not just regurgitation (spit-up).  The PH test required anesthesia and a stay at the hospital for a night.  You can also request a sleep study.

A note about sleeping on the side: If you have a Boppy pillow, then TIGHTLY swaddle your baby and use the Boppy to both keep them on their side and to elevate their head. The open end of the boppy should be about their waist or knees, depending on how tall your child is. His/her head should be on the top of the boppy with their shoulder nestled about 1/2 way down the inside of the pillow

keep us posted...You are NOT alone and mother's usually know best. I would highly recommend NOT waiting for the next well-baby visit. This generally is best when dealt with promptly.