Acid Reflux in Infants

It’s not unusual for infants to spit up shortly after eating. However if it causes other problems or it is associated with other symptoms, it could be Gastro Esophageal Reflux or simple acid reflux. Most of us associate acid reflux with older individuals who have problems with indigestion or heartburn. But, in realty this problem can also be found in infants usually during their first three months of life, it one of the contributing factors to colic.

So what is acid reflux? Acid Reflux happens when the acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus burning it. Acid reflux causes the child discomfort and pain. So, what cause the reflux to get into the esophagus? Infants usually have a weak digestive system, particularly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), but most babies will out grow acid reflux by 6 to 12 months.

Acid Reflux Symptoms in Infants

Here are the most common symptoms to watch for:

• Frequent or recurrent spitting up or vomiting
• Chocking or gagging during feeding, possible refusing to eat.
• Crying during feeding
• Frequent or persistent cough
• Abdominal pain or gas
• Inadequate weight gain
• Poor sleep habits with frequent waking

Infant Acid Reflux Remedy through life style changes.

• Breastfeed your baby. Human milk is easier to digest than formula and is less of an irritant to the esophagus, often resulting in few and less severe reflux bouts.
• Thicken Formula. For bottle feed baby’s try using a special thicker formula to prevent spitting up or regurgitation.
• Burp more often. Burping can reduce the amount of milk or formula that is regurgitated due to air
  bubbles. For bottle feed baby’s try using a special bottle that minimize the amount of air your baby swallows.
• Changing feeding schedules. Try smaller and more frequent feeds as well as different feeding times.
• Feeding position. Feed your baby in a more upright position to minimize regurgitation.
• Elevating the head of the baby’s crib or bassinet. This will place the baby in a more upright position reducing the chance of regurgitation.
• Change the mother’s diet. If you are breast feeding your doctor my suggest changes to your diet.

If these life style changes do not help or conditions worsen see you pediatrician right away for diagnostic evaluation and treatments. Your doctor my prescribe medications, such as a children’s antacids like Mylanta and Maalox. Surgery is rarely needed to treat acid reflux in infants, but if the cause is a hiatal hernia surgery may be necessary.

During this difficult time in your baby’s life it very important that you keep calm and provide the comfort that your child needs. Often time to be successful you will need a support group of family and friends to help you out so you do not loss your patience.

* Disclaimer: The information available on this website should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care for the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of your baby’s acid reflux. Please consult with your child’s doctor before trying any medication or following any treatment plan. This information is provided only to help you be informed about your baby’s condition.