Treat Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux In Infants: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments
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Defined Tag: Acid Reflux In Infants.

Acid reflux occurs when undigested stomach content moves back up into the esophagus. A rung of muscles at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens and closes to allow food to enter the stomach. The LES opens to release gas after meals. In the worst case scenario, the LES allows the stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus and out of the mouth. When infants have this experience, parents often see the result as spitting up, though vomiting may also occur. Acid reflux symptoms can occur at times other than during or shortly after a feeding.

Acid reflux is common in infants, especially during the first three months of age. But for most babies, it will disappear as they grow older. Although infants acid reflux is most likely after a feeding, it can happen anytime your baby coughs, cries or strains. This may be probably tougher on you than on your baby. Even when soaked in spit up, most babies who have reflux are happy and healthy.

Some of the common infant acid refluxsymptoms are as follow:

1) Frequent spitting up or vomiting.

2) Feelings of irritation when feeding.

3) Refusing food or eating only small amounts.

4) Sudden or constant crying.

5) “Wet” burps.

6) Frequent hiccups

7) Poor sleep habits with frequent waking.

Some infants may fall into the category of experiencing less common symptoms. They are as follows:

1) Difficulty in swallowing.

2) Frequent sore throat.

3) Weight loss or poor weight gain.

4) Excessive drooling.

If your baby is healthy and growing well, the doctor may make a diagnosis of acid reflux based on your descriptions of symptoms and feeding history, and a physical exam alone.

However, your baby’s doctor may order more tests if he or she suspects a more serious condition. In these cases, diagnostic tests may include:

1) Lab tests, consisting of various blood and urine tests to identify or rule out possible causes of recurring vomiting and poor weight gain.

2) Ph monitoring: This test will measure the acidity in the baby’s esophagus.

3) Upper endoscopy: A tube with a camera lens and light is inserted through your baby’s mouth and into esophagus and stomach. This procedure is used by the doctors in order to find out whether there is a narrowing or inflammation in the esophagus. Very rarely infants have acid reflux disease or GERD that prevents them from growing or causes breathing problems. In some of these infants, surgery may be the best option. Your child’s doctor or nurse will discuss the various treatment options including surgery if needed with you.

The treatment of reflux depends on the infant’s symptoms and age. Some babies may not need treatment, because acid reflux often resolves by itself. Healthy, happy babies may only need their feedings thickened with cereal. Also, keep your baby upright after they are fed. Over feeding can aggravate acid reflux. Here are a couple more tips to reduce acid reflux in infants:

1) Frequent burps during and after each feeding can keep air from building up in your baby’s stomach. Sit your baby upright, supporting his or her with your hand. Avoid burping your baby over your shoulder which may put pressure on your bay’s abdomen.

2) If you are using a bottle, make sure the hole in the nipple is the right size. If the hole is too too large, the milk will flow too fast. If the hole is too small, your baby may get frustrated and gulp air.

3) Smaller quantities with more frequent feeding are recommended. Alternatively, you can limit nursing sessions to just one breast.

4) Certain foods such as caffeine, chocolate, and garlic are said to trigger acid reflux. If you are breastfeeding your infant, then it is best to avoid these foods for the time being.

Acid Reflux can be very painful but it is definitely treatable. For more information and resources on acid reflux treatment, please visit this site at http://www.treat-acid-reflux.com.