Acid Reflux in Babies
What is Acid reflux ?
Acid reflux or Infant acid reflux a.k.a Gastroesophageal Reflux is a condition in infants where food and acid flows back up or reflux into the oesophagus pr sometimes into mouth. In infants it is also known as spitting up or regurgitation.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux are :
- Spit up or Vomit
- Refusal of food or eating very little
- Sudden or constant crying
- Frequent burps
- Bad breath
How common is it ?
Acid reflux in some degree is present in almost all babies, whether breast-fed or bottle-fed. Some amount of milk comes back when you burp the baby and most babies outgrow the condition by 6-12 months. Some babies may experience it for a little longer but usually not after 2 year mark.
Can it be serious ?
Some babies experience heavier than normal spit-up or vomiting and it is important to keep track of it. Be sure to consult baby’s doctor if :
- Baby is vomiting large amounts consistently after feeds
- Vomit is green or yellow or has blood
- Difficulty in breathing after vomiting
- Difficulty in swallowing food
Treatment
There are different treatments which your doctor might suggest depending upon how serious the condition is.
To minimize spitting up :
- Ensure baby does not over-feed.
- Burp baby frequently between feeds.
- Give frequent smaller feeds. This will help to keep the food down.
- Keep the baby sitting up for atleast half an hour after feeding.
- Do not allow rough-housing or play immediately after feeding.
If your baby does not benefit by these, make sure to take medical device.
