Gastroesophageal reflux in babies is more common than many people think and is easy to diagnose and treat.
What is it?
Gastroesophageal reflux in babies happens when what is in the stomach comes back up into the esophagus during or after a meal. The esophagus, a tube connecting the mouth to the stomach, has a ring of muscle at the bottom. The lower esophageal sphincter, which is the ring, opens and closes allowing food to go into the stomach. Usually, the lower esophageal sphincter normally opens to release gas after meals. But, with babies, the stomach contents, formula, comes back to the esophagus and then out of the mouth. Then, babies spit up, vomit, or re-swallow the formula. It can also happen when babies are straining, crying, or coughing.
Is reflux in babies common?
Reflux is very common in healthy infants, especially during the first three months of life. It tends to stop between the twelve months and two years of age. Most infants with reflux have a mild case. The symptom if gastroesophageal reflux are spitting up, vomiting, coughing, irritability, poor feeding, and blood in the stools.
What if reflux in babies is serious?
If the reflux is serious, infants can have poor growth because they are not keeping food down. They can be irritable or refuse to eat because it is painful. They can have blood loss from the acid burning their esophagus. Breathing problems can also be a result of serious gastroesophageal reflux in babies. Some of these symptoms could be from another disorder, so it is important to communicate with your health care provider.
How is reflux in babies diagnosed?
Gastroesophageal reflux in babies is diagnosed by the amount of times the baby spits up or vomits. Health care providers will examine the baby and talk to you about the baby’s routine. Tests may be conducted. If the baby is healthy, content, and growing on schedule, the health care provider may not even order tests or prescribe treatment.
How are common cases of reflux in babies treated?
Gastroesophageal reflux treatment will depend on the age of the baby and the symptoms. Not every baby with reflux needs treatment. Some babies might need a thicker formula or some cereal after nursing. Some babies may need smaller, more frequent feedings rather than long feedings that may overfeed the child. Some health care providers may suspect a food allergy or sensitivity is causing the reflux, so the health care provider may suggest switching formulas. Breast feeding mothers may be asked to change what they eat, so the baby has a different diet, too.
How are more serious cases of reflux in babies treated?
If the reflux symptoms are more serious, health care providers have other treatment methods. They may recommend that the baby be fed by tube. If the baby is uncomfortable, won’t sleep or eat, or does not show normal growth patterns, then the health care provider might prescribe medication to lessen acid in the stomach. If medication is prescribed, it usually is not needed past the first or second birthday. Reflux in babies is quite common and usually ends by the child’s first or second birthday.
