What is the first-line treatment for a 3-month-old infant diagnosed with physiologic GERD?

The first-line treatment for a 3-month-old infant diagnosed with physiologic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) focuses on non-pharmacological approaches, with thickening of feedings being a well-supported intervention. Thickening feedings with oatmeal or other thickeners can help to reduce the frequency and severity of reflux episodes because it increases the viscosity of the feed, which may help it stay in the stomach longer and decrease the volume that could potentially reflux into the esophagus.

In the case of infants, this approach is often preferred as it minimizes exposure to medications, which may not be necessary for managing uncomplicated or mild physiologic reflux, a common condition in infants. It’s important to note that while medications can be beneficial in some cases of GERD, they are not usually recommended as first-line treatments in very young infants, especially given their potential side effects and the fact that physiological GERD often resolves on its own as the infant matures.

The other options represent different approaches or interventions but do not align with the recommended first-line treatment for a 3-month-old with physiologic GERD. For instance, Ranitidine and Omeprazole are both medications that can reduce stomach acid but are generally not used as initial treatments for mild