What symptom might indicate a more severe case of GORD in infants?

In infants, severe cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) can manifest through various symptoms, one of which is breathing difficulties. This can occur due to aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs, leading to respiratory complications. When an infant experiences GORD, the refluxed material can cause irritation of the airways, resulting in symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing.

Breathing difficulties are particularly concerning because they may indicate that the reflux is severe enough to affect the infant's airway and overall respiratory status. This need for immediate evaluation distinguishes it from other symptoms, such as excessive crying, high fever, or reduced appetite, which could be linked to a range of less severe issues or conditions.

Moreover, while excessive crying, high fever, and reduced appetite could also suggest discomfort or other underlying problems, they do not inherently indicate severe GORD. Breathing difficulties are a more specific warning sign of a potentially critical situation that requires prompt medical attention.