Acid reflux can be a very painful condition for infants. The condition is often present at birth or emerges in the first few weeks. Babies can have a wide variety and severity of symptoms. Many times, acid reflux is confused with colic due to the inconsolable crying that accompanies both conditions.
Definition of Acid Reflux
In acid reflux, the sphincter at the top of the stomach does not properly open and close. This can allow stomach acid to travel back into the esophagus. Many babies with acid reflux will regurgitate. However, some will suffer from silent reflux where regurgitation and spitting up is not common. These babies are believed to suffer more as the acid burns and irritates the esophagus going up and coming back down to the stomach.
Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Babies
Babies with acid reflux will have difficulty with feedings. Some babies may refuse feedings all together. The baby will demonstrate extreme fussiness when given a bottle and may fight through the entire feeding. Arching of the back and stiffening of the body are also common symptoms in reflux. Babies who suffer from acid reflux may prefer to sit up or stand up at all times as lying flat causes pain. After a feeding, the baby may draw up his knees, clench his fist and scream uncontrollably. Spitting up and even projectile vomiting are not uncommon with acid reflux.
Medical Treatment for Acid Reflux
Depending on the severity of the acid reflux, medical intervention may be necessary. Babies may require medications to treat acid reflux. Some of the most common medications include Zantac and Prevacid. These medicines help to control the amount of acid in the system. However, medicine is rarely enough to completely control the symptoms of acid reflux.
Home Treatment for Reflux
Parents of babies with acid reflux generally have to alter the feeding schedule and positioning. Babies tend to deal better with smaller and more frequent feedings. Feeding at the first sign of hunger can also help since if the baby gets upset, he can cause the acid to enter the esophagus. Feeding the baby in an upright position and maintaining that position for thirty minutes after the feeding may also help.
Some parents find that feeding the baby using a positioner or while he is placed in the car seat or another seat is helpful. When sleeping, the baby should be placed at an incline to make swallowing easier. This can easily be accomplished with incline positioners that fit directly on top of the mattress under the top sheet.
Risks With Gastroesophageal Reflux
Babies who suffer from acid reflux also are at a greater risk of shaken baby syndrome. This is due to the long periods of inconsolable crying, arching of the back and stiffening of the body. Parents should seek medical help from their pediatrician as well as support from family and friends. If it becomes overwhelming, place the baby in a safe space and walk away for a few minutes until composure can be regained or help can be called.
Treating acid reflux in babies can be a lengthy process of trial and error to find the right combination of medical treatment and home remedies that work to control the symptoms. Work with the pediatrician and specialist to find the cure for gastroesophageal reflux. Rest assured that most babies will outgrow acid reflux by nine months.
Source:
Ask Dr Sears Website. Gastroesophageal Reflux in Babies (accessed online November 12, 2009).
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