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ACID REFLUX DISEASE IN INFANTS AND BABIES
Acid Reflux in infants
Acid reflux in infants is very common. At least half of all infants are born with some degree of reflux simply from immaturity of the the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a valve at the bottom of the esophagus which opens to let food and liquids into your stomach and then closes again so it doesn't come back out. Acid reflux happens when this valve does not close properly, causing stomach contents to reflux back into the esophagus.
What are the causes?
It is believed that since an infants digestive systems is still immature, the LES is not strong enough to stay shut, therefore allowing the liquids from the stomach to reflux up. Sometimes overfeeding can cause acid reflux in an infant, so be sure to check with your physician on the amount of food you are giving to your child. Acid reflux is more common in premature infants and also in infants whose parents smoke, due to second hand smoke. But, by 1 year of age most infants digestive systems are strong enough and the acid reflux dissapears.
What are the symptoms?
An infant with acid reflux may experience the following symptoms:
- spitting up or vomiting
- coughing
- arching the back in pain
- irritability
Very rarely some infants may experience more chronic symptoms that can be of concern. These are:
- poor growth because they can't hold down food
- irritability or not eating due to the discomfort and pain
- blood loss from acid burning the esophagus
- breathing difficulties
What are the treatments?
There are some easy treatments you can try to help relieve your infants acid reflux:
- Elevating the head of the infants crib to allow gravity to keep the liquids down
- Sitting or holding the infant upright for 30 minutes after a meal, again allowing gravity to help
- Thicken the infants milk with cereal or try solid food
- Breastfeed since it is more easily and quickly digested
- Smaller more frequent feedings, which digests the food quicker
There are also over the counter medications to lessen gas and to neutralize or decrease stomach acid. In more chronic severe cases surgery may be recommended.
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