Acid Reflux – The Basics of Acid Reflux in Babies

Acid reflux is a common condition that occurs after or during a meal. During this period, the contents inside your baby’s stomach goes back via the esophagus. Esophagus is a tube that connects mouth and your stomach.

The tube possesses a ring of muscles at the bottom that opens to allow food into your stomach. The LES opens after a meal in adults to release the gas. When this ring opens in babies, it is usually accompanied by acid reflux.

Babies can also suffer from acid reflux when they cry, cough or strain.

Doctors also believe that there is no special reason for acid reflux in babies as it is a common condition, especially in the first few months after the baby is born. Even healthy babies can suffer from acid reflux.

However, if this condition persists by the time the baby celebrates his first birthday, there is some problem you must consult a paediatrist here.

A) There are some symptoms of acid reflux. Here are some of the most common symptoms of acid reflux experienced by babies.

a) Vomiting

b) Irritability

c) Spitting up

d) Blood in stools

Sometimes, babies may also experience severe symptoms of acid reflux. However, this is only under rare circumstances. In case, a baby experiences any of these symptoms, it is a cause of concern.

B) Here is a list of some of the serious acid reflux symptoms:

a) Refusing to eat even after feeling hungry

b) Poor weight gain

c) Breathing problems

d) Burning sensation in esophagus

e) Blood loss

f) Coughing

If you observe any of the above mentioned symptoms in your baby, you must consult a doctor or a child specialist on an immediate basis. These symptoms may be due to acid reflux or any other medical problem. Your doctor may be the best person to judge this.

C) You also need to speak to a child specialist if you observe any of the following serious symptoms.

a) Painful or difficult swallowing

b) Vomiting in large amounts or forceful vomiting

c) Difficulty in breathing after vomiting and/or spitting up

d) Excessive irritability especially during feeding

e) Vomiting green or yellow colored fluid

f) Vomiting blood or fluid like coffee grounds

When diagnosing acid reflux in a baby, the health care professional will take to you about the symptoms of your child and then examine the child. In case, he or she finds the baby happy, healthy and showing great health, no test or treatment is recommended.

However, some tests may still be required to analyze the symptoms of the baby associated to GER. There are also some treatments that may be prescribed without any tests.

D) Here are some treatment options:

a) Introduction of thickened feedings with cereal

b) Keeping the baby upright once he is fed

c) Smaller and frequent feeding sessions

The baby is introduced to medicines in case of severe symptoms. These medicines may include the following:

a) H2 – blockers

b) Proton-pump inhibitors

The best thing to do is to take your baby to the doctor as soon as you observe the symptoms of acid reflux.