HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Child Had Aspiration. How Much Cerelac To Add To Milk To Prevent Aspiration?

Hi. I have a grandson 7 month old yesterday.He was born at 36 weeks and he already had aspiration which required admission.Our pediatrician advised cerelac to be added to milk as thickener but not specified how much.Can you please advise the amount of cerelac to be added to his milk to prevent him from aspirating?And also he is a case of hyperbilirubinemia a week after birth and had exchange transfusion.he also had seizures at thay time and was on Phenobarb for 1 month.Then the seizures recurred when he was 6 months and now on Phenobarb and Keppra.He already has global developmental delay.The cranial ultrasound revealed normal findings, EEG normal and lately just a week ago MRI also was normal.He just started rolling over a week ago, started batting on toys hanging in front of him and started his uttering ga-ga-ga and ba-ba on the same week as well.Please can you tell me of your opinion on this?He was evaluated by a developmental doctor but shame to say he did not really hold the child...he was just asking questions not observing the muscle tone, neck control etc. as he should be doing.
Thank you very much for your time.God bless you.

Fri, 26 Jul 2013
Report Abuse
Pediatrician,  's  Response
I am concerned about this aspiration problem as a manifestation of his developmental issues. I suggest you ask for a swallow study to take a look at how his pharynx works when he swallows. He may have what is called pharyngeal incoordination and a speech therapist can both do the study and work with him to correct the underlying problem if detected.

In the meantime, you should add a couple of teaspoons of rice cereal to 4 ounces of formula to thicken it.
I find this answer helpful
Pediatrician,  Dr. E Venkata Ramana's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic.

I can understand and feel your concern.

It seems the child had some neurological issues after birth which are suggested by seizures, aspiration.

Hyperbilirubinemia which required exchange transfusion is suggestive is also a risk factor for his neuro development.

I advise you to closely monitor the child development.

At present it seems his development looks normal, but it should be confirmed and rechecked by the developmental pediatrician.

Apart from questions, a physical examination by the doctor for tone, reflexes, and physical developmental assessment will yield good results.

Coming to cerelac, it can be given as complimentary feeding from 6 months onwards.

And to decrease the reflux, add some amount of cerelac to milk so that it should be a little bit thicker than milk.

You can add one table spoon of rice cereal to one ounce of formula milk to prevent and lessen the episodes of regurgitation.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards.
I find this answer helpful

3 Doctors agree with this answer

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Magnetic resonance imaging


Loading Online Doctors....
Child Had Aspiration. How Much Cerelac To Add To Milk To Prevent Aspiration?

I am concerned about this aspiration problem as a manifestation of his developmental issues. I suggest you ask for a swallow study to take a look at how his pharynx works when he swallows. He may have what is called pharyngeal incoordination and a speech therapist can both do the study and work with him to correct the underlying problem if detected. In the meantime, you should add a couple of teaspoons of rice cereal to 4 ounces of formula to thicken it.