About Infant Acid Reflux Symptoms

Infant acid reflux ,more accurately known as gastroesophageal reflux, is a common problem that can be quite common in newborn babies and, while it may be disturbing to the parents, it usually isn't anything you have to worry too much over.  Most infants affected by acid reflux show symptoms in the first week itself. In fact, acid reflux in babies is normally not a long term or serious problem.
It  is normally characterized by frequent bouts of regurgitation, soon after meal times.

Infant reflux symptoms usually include recurrent coughing, bad breath, spitting up frequently, unusual irritability and crying, chest pain, and sore throat.  These symptoms are noticeable during feeding time while there may not be symptoms during other times.  Typically, acid reflux in infant resolves itself after 18-24 months once this muscle has had time to mature.  It is incredibly easy for an child suffering from infant acid reflux to become ever more ill as the signs are ignored for not being as obvious as other possible symptoms.

Other symptoms of occasional infant acid reflux disease may include spitting or vomiting, occasional fussiness or crying after eating (acid reflux can cause an unpleasant burning sensation in the chest and throat) and reluctance to feed due to discomfort. It is also important to know that the most common symptoms for acid reflux in infants is spitting up and crying after feedings. 

Causes of acid reflux in infants

There are several causes of infant acid reflux. But many of the causes are exacerbated by the fact that infants, much more so than adults, consume mostly liquids and spend a great deal of time on their backs or in a supine position.  Other causes could be attributed to the anatomy of a childs stomach position, poor eating habits, smoking (second hand), being overweight, and food allergies.  Endoscopy helps view the child's mouth, esophagus and stomach to look for causes of reflux.
When to see a doctor

It is important for you to seek out a doctor if you notice that your baby shows any of the following symptoms (this information was found in an article from the Mayo Clinic while researching this topic):

•Is not gaining weight

•Spits up forcefully, thus causing stomach contents to shoot out of his or her mouth

•Spits up by more than a tablespoon or two at a time

•Spits up green or brown fluid

•Resists feedings

•Seems hungry between feedings

•Appears lethargic and also has fewer wet diapers than normal or

•When the infant has other signs of illness, such as fever, diarrhea or difficulty breathing and a chronically hoarse voice. The doctor can perform tests to confirm the diagnosis of acid reflux.

Symptoms of acid reflux in babiesis noticed most of the time during the babies feeding time, but it can happen at other times too.

However it is of utmost importance to pay close attention to your infant for any of the symptoms ,as listed above, of silent acid reflux as it is quite possible for your child to be ill without your immediately knowing with any of the above named symptoms.

Moreover,If you find your child is belching more than normal, this could also indicate a condition of heartburn.

Here are some tips to help your children with infant acid reflux disease:

Do you know that the way the infant is positioned in the car seat can cause regurgitation to increase.  If the infant slouches over, it causes abdominal compression, increasing the risk of reflux. So using simple supports to keep the infant upright will prevent this. To help minimize gastric pressure, burping your infant several times during the feeding will greatly help. If you wait to burp your infant until after she has a full stomach can increase the chances of regurgitation.

You infant must not drink caffeinated beverages, orange juice or other citrus juices.  Keep in mind that infants who are 'happy spitters' and have good weight gain, and don't have excessive crying, or feeding or respiratory problems usually don't need to be treated with medications for their reflux. As for infants with persistent symptoms, especially if they aren't gaining weight well, a Pediatric Gastroenterologist can be helpful

Infant acid reflux treatment usually consists of some basic changes in the way you feed your baby. Other treatment options vary widely depending on the age of the child and the severity of symptoms and also largely on the baby's condition.  For infants who display some of the more worrisome symptoms, medical treatment may be prescribed by the doctor.

Understanding infant indigestion