Infants Acid Reflux

Causes


The causes of infant acid reflux are generally simple. Normally, the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes and opens only when you swallow. Otherwise, it's tightly closed — keeping stomach contents where they belong. Until this muscle matures, stomach contents may sometimes flow up the esophagus and out of your baby's mouth. Sometimes air bubbles in the esophagus may push liquid out of your baby's mouth. In other cases, your baby may simply drink too much, too fast.

Infant acid reflux, more accurately known as gastroesophageal reflux, is a very common problem. Infant acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach go back up into the esophagus.
Although infant acid reflux most often occurs after a feeding, it can happen anytime your baby coughs, cries or strains. Most babies who have infant acid reflux are healthy.
Infant acid reflux typically resolves on its own when your baby is around 12 to 18 months old. In the meantime, changes in feeding technique — such as smaller, more frequent feedings, changing position or interrupting feedings to burp — can help keep reflux under control. In a few cases, medication or other treatments may be recommended.
Signs and symptoms of infant acid reflux may include:
  • Spitting up
  • Irritability during or after feedings
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Refusing to eat
  • Crying when placed on his or her back, especially after a feeding
In severe cases, your baby may arch his or her back while crying and this may look like your baby is having a seizure.
When to see a doctor 

Normal infant acid reflux doesn't interfere with a baby's growth or well-being. Contact your baby's doctor if your baby:

  • Isn't gaining weight
  • Spits up forcefully, causing stomach contents to shoot out of his or her mouth
  • Spits up green or yellow fluid
  • Spits up blood or a material that looks like coffee grounds
  • Resists feedings
  • Has blood in his or her stool
  • Has other signs of illness, such as fever, diarrhea or difficulty breathing
  • Begins vomiting at age 6 months or older
Some of these signs may indicate more-serious conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or pyloric stenosis. GERD is a severe version of reflux that can cause pain, vomiting and poor weight gain. Pyloric stenosis is a rare condition in which a narrowed valve between the stomach and the small intestine prevents stomach contents from emptying into the small intestine.

Treatment

Most healthy babies outgrow infant reflux by their first or second birthday. Persistent reflux in both infants and children often can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals, remaining upright after eating and sleeping with the head of the crib or bed elevated.
When severe reflux affects your child's ability to eat, sleep, or develop normally, doctors may suggest trying a medication to decrease stomach acid. Surgery is rarely recommended for young patients with GERD. If surgical intervention is needed, pediatric surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.

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