Acid Reflux Affecting Infants
Minor forms of acid reflux like spitting up or wet burps are common in infants.
Roughly half of all infants are known to suffer from this condition in the early months of their birth. If they are bottle fed, they will spit out some formula. This problem will be reduced by the time they are a year old. There is no need of treating this condition, as it is quite natural. In case the condition shows symptoms of becoming more serious like esophagitis or any other problems, then medical attention is needed. Only a minute percentage of infants fall under this category and need medical treatment. For these babies the symptoms stay the same or become severe, as they get older.
As you probably know, acid reflux is caused when the patient’s lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not work properly and it lets food and stomach acids to go up in to esophagus and even up in to the throat.
Symptoms Of Acid Reflux In Infants
Frequent spitting up and wet burps are the main symptoms. Problems in swallowing food as well as coughing, sneezing and similar respiratory problems can also be due to acid reflux condition. If this spitting up turns in to vomiting or breathing problems, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Diagnosing Acid Reflux In Infants
In most cases, the doctor can confirm the problem from the descriptions provided by the parents or through a physical examination. In cases where the nature of the condition is more serious, the doctor may opt for diagnostic tests like endoscopy, pH balance test, lab tests etc.
Treatment For Acid Reflux In Infants
Most healthy babies will over come this problem by their very first birthday. So your doctor is going to suggest you just to make a few changes in your daily habits. These can be:
Feed The Baby In An Upright Position
If you keep them in this position during feeding and afterwards for the next 30 minutes, the acid reflux problem can be significantly reduced.
Feed Them Frequently And Give Smaller Quantities Of Formula Each Time
Smaller portions of formula, given more often, would help reduce the problem. As this will keep the abdominal pressure at a minimal level, the chances of reflux will be lower.
Make Changes In The Diet Of Breast-Feeding Mothers
Breast-feeding mothers should avoid food products containing caffeine, chocolate, garlic etc. These items are known to worsen the acid reflux condition.
Burping Your Infant Multiple Times During Feeding Can Relieve The Problem
If you burp the baby only after the baby finishes the formula, then the reflux can be more, as the stomach is full. But if you make it a habit to burp him multiple times between the feeding, that would help to reduce the problems.
[tags]Infant Acid Reflux[/tags]
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