Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), also commonly known as baby’s reflux, is a condition where the stomach contents (food or liquid) return to the esophagus, causing discomfort and spitting up. It is a common and usually harmless condition in infants, affecting about 50 percent of all babies during their first three months of life. Although baby reflux usually resolves on its own by the time the child is one year old, it can be distressing for both the baby and parents, causing fussiness, crying, and disturbed sleep. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of baby reflux can help parents better manage this condition and provide relief for their little ones.
This article aims to introduce the causes, symptoms, and possible treatment methods for GER. Before anything else, we advise consulting a medical professional at a trusted and safe clinic. If you are in the area and searching for the best doctor, consult a pediatrician in Miami, Florida.
With that in mind, here is what you need to know about infant reflux.
Baby’s Reflux Defined
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or acid reflux is a common digestive disorder in infants where stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus, causing discomfort and sometimes spitting up.
According to experts, infant reflux can be uncomfortable, but it is usually not serious. In most cases, symptoms improve on their own within the first year of life. However, severe or prolonged symptoms may indicate a more serious condition and should be evaluated by a pediatrician.
We recommend consulting with a trained and knowledgeable healthcare provider. If you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s health, consult an expert such as Dr. Hernandez-Puga.
Symptoms of Baby’s Reflux
The common symptoms and signs of infant reflux include some of the following:
- Frequent spitting up or vomiting
- Irritability during or post-feeding
- Crying and arching the back during or post-feeding
- Poor feeding or slow weight gain
- Wet burps or hiccups
- Refusing to eat or having difficulty eating
- Chest or abdominal (belly) pain
- Recurrent pneumonia or wheezing
If your baby shows signs of severe distress or other concerning symptoms, it is best to consult a pediatrician. Reach out to Doctor Ana, an expert with years of knowledge in the medical field. It’s crucial to consult a pediatrician if you notice any unusual or distressing symptoms of newborn reflux in your child, as these can hint at more serious underlying conditions.
What Causes Reflux in Babies?
The exact cause of acid reflux in babies is not always clear, but several factors may contribute to it, including:
- Having an immature lower esophageal sphincter (this allows stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus)
- Overfeeding or too much swallowed air during regular feedings
- Having a weak or relaxed diaphragm muscle
- Eating too rapidly during feedings
- Food sensitivities or food allergies
Sometimes, an underlying medical condition may also contribute to acid reflux in babies, such as a neurological disorder or metabolic condition.
In some cases, infant reflux can be caused by the following:
- GERD: Also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, a more severe form of GER. It is a chronic condition in which the stomach contents go back (reflux) into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as chest pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. GERD can occur in both adults and children but is most commonly diagnosed in adults.
- Pyloric stenosis: This is a condition that affects infants and occurs when the pylorus, a small muscle located at the end of the stomach, becomes thickened and narrowed. This blocks the stomach contents from flowing into the small intestine, causing symptoms such as projectile vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss. Pyloric stenosis is typically diagnosed through physical examination and ultrasound and is treated through surgery to widen the pylorus.
- Sandifer syndrome: This is a severe condition that affects infants and is characterized by episodes of twisting and arching of the neck and back. These episodes are usually accompanied by gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), and antacids can often relieve symptoms. Sandifer syndrome is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and symptoms, and treatment may include medications to reduce stomach acid production and improve GERD symptoms. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to treat GERD-related complications.
What Are the Risk Factors for GER?
Risk factors for acid reflux in infants may include:
- Prematurity
- Being overweight or obese
- Family history of GERD
- Neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy
- Formula-feeding, as opposed to breastfeeding
- Consuming solid foods too early
- Eating too quickly or taking in too much air while feeding
It is important to consult a pediatrician if your baby is showing symptoms of acid reflux, as some underlying medical conditions may also increase the risk of developing reflux symptoms.
How Is GER Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of acid reflux in infants may involve the following steps:
- Medical history: The pediatrician will ask about symptoms, feeding habits, and other relevant information to determine if your baby has newborn reflux.
- Physical examination: The doctor will examine the baby’s abdomen and check for signs of discomfort or pain.
- pH monitoring: A thin, flexible tube is passed through the nose into the esophagus to measure the pH level, which indicates the presence of acid.
- Barium swallow: A series of X-rays are taken after the baby drinks a barium solution, which helps highlight any abnormalities in the esophagus and stomach.
- Endoscopy: A thin, flexible scope is used to examine the esophagus and stomach for damage or other abnormalities.
In some cases, other tests may also be necessary to rule out other conditions and determine the underlying cause of the newborn reflux symptoms.
How Is Baby Reflux Treated?
The treatment of acid reflux in babies may include the following:
Lifestyle changes:
- Small, frequent feedings
- Keep your child in an upright position for at least 30 minutes post-feeding
- Avoiding overfeeding
- Burping the baby regularly
- Avoiding tight clothing that may put pressure on the stomach
Medications:
- Antacids to neutralize stomach acid
- H2 blockers to reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach
- Proton pump inhibitors to decrease acid production in the stomach
Surgery:
- In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat GERD-related complications, such as stricture or Barrett’s esophagus.
It is important to consult a pediatrician to determine the best course of treatment for your baby, as some medications and treatments may not be appropriate for all infants.
What Can I Ask From My Doctor?
When consulting a pediatrician about newborn reflux, some questions you may consider asking include:
- What is causing my child’s symptoms?
- What is the best course of treatment for my child’s condition?
- Can I make any lifestyle changes to help manage my baby’s symptoms?
- Are there any over-the-counter or prescription medications that may help my baby?
- Are there any potential side effects of the medications you are recommending?
- How long will it take for my baby’s symptoms to improve?
- Is there anything I can do to help prevent my baby from developing GERD in the future?
- Are there any complications that I should be aware of, such as stricture or Barrett’s esophagus?
- Should I follow up with you or a specialist for further evaluation or treatment?
- Are there any clinical trials or alternative treatments available for my baby’s condition?
Having a clear understanding of your baby’s condition and the best course of treatment can help you make informed decisions about your baby’s health and ensure the best possible outcome.
Give Us a Call Now
Don’t wait for your health concerns to worsen; take action immediately! Schedule an appointment at our safe and reliable clinic today and receive the best high-quality care from our experienced team of healthcare professionals.
