How To Identify Infant Acid Reflux
Acid reflux in adults causes discomfort but infant acid reflux is a reality too. The condition is a result of irregular working of the esophageal sphincter muscle that fails to stop the backflow of stomach acids along with the liquid nourishments given to the infant. Normally, the muscle should work by opening to allow the food in and then contracting to keep it from re-entering the esophagus. In the case of infants however, it may not work so efficiently and so, stomach acids have a chance of flowing back resulting in the problem. Infant acid reflux is quite a common occurrence with most babies.
When this type of regurgitation happens in babies it doesn't mean that they are ill and so medical help is usually not needed. Symptoms of occasional infant acid reflux may include spitting or vomiting, coughing, 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.
When Infant Acid Reflux Becomes A Serious Issue
Usually the levels of acid reflux are within normal limits occurring just for a little while and so no medical aid is needed. Sometimes, however, an infant may experience severe and consistent acid reflux. Such infants may begin to lose weight because they are unable to keep enough food in their stomachs to nourish them adequately. The occasional crying or fussiness at a meal turns into a daily refusal of food, since eating has become associated with severe discomfort in the baby's mind. If food in the esophagus is being aspirated (sucked) into the lungs, the infant may develop respiratory problems such as wheezing and gasping for air. Finally, the acid reflux may damage the infant's esophagus enough to cause anemia due to loss of blood.
When Medical Help Is Necessary
Infants with repeated acid reflux symptoms should be taken to a pediatric physician for proper diagnosis and treatment. The doctor can perform tests to confirm the diagnosis of acid reflux. Much of the time, even serious problems with acid reflux will clear up on their own or with a few changes in the way the baby is positioned or fed.
Sometimes the doctor will recommend giving the baby frequent small feedings instead of a few large feedings, thickening the formula and feeding your infant in an upright position. Making sure to burp your infant both during and after meals can also help. However, when things do not show any improvement and the infant acid reflux continues unabated the doctor may recommend some medicines and even minor surgery to repair the esophageal sphincter so that the infant does not suffer acid reflux any more. In surgery, the doctor would attempt to make the esophageal sphincter tighter.
Most of the time though, infant acid reflux usually goes away as the child generally outgrows the discomfort. Infant acid reflux is normally not a long term or serious problem.
