Infant acid refluxInfant acid reflux
According to the national digestive diseases information Clearinghouse half of all the babies experience acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux during first few months after birth. The classic symptom is the baby spitting up just be ready with a burp cloth!
Though infant baby reflux generally happens after feeding,it may also occur when the baby coughs or cries and strains. And of course it's more difficult for you .However please note even when the baby spits continuously, they are hale and hearty. Infant acid reflux disappears on its own between 12 to 18 months after birth. And meanwhile we can control the infant reflux by using better feeding techniques viz; hold the baby in upright position gently to avoid the backflow of feed. Feed the baby more frequently in lesser quantities and encourage the baby burps sometimes medications may be required.
Reason for infant baby reflux usually the muscles between the oesophagus and the stomach relaxes and open only when the baby swallows something otherwise its tightly closed to keep the stomach contents in its place. Till the muscles mature, the contents may occasionally flow up the oesophagus and out of the baby's mouth. Sometimes the air bubbles in the oesophagus may push the liquid out of the baby's mouth and sometimes the baby may drink more than required and too fast. what Time to call a doctor
Normally the growth and well being of the baby is not restricted nor disturbed by the infant reflux. However following are the situations when you need to call a doctor;; When the baby isn't gaining weight. Spits up the contents to shoot out of the mouth more than twice and forcefully. Resists feeding and spits green or brown fluid. Seems hungry between feedings. Doesn't wet the diapers as commonly as other healthy babies. Is not as active . Shows signs of illness such as fever, diarrhoea or difficulty in breathing. Has a chronic hoarse voice.
Some of them may also show serious conditions such as [GERD}gastroesophageal reflux disease or pyloric stenosis. Gerd is a severe version and causes pain, vomitting and poor weight gain. In pyloric stenosis is a rare condition where the valve between the stomach and the small intestine is too narrow to let the food particles reach the intestine for further digestion.
