Symptoms of Acid Reflux in Babies - Learning to Recognizing Them

Acid reflux is typically considered an adult disease. However, it is actually common among infants. Some sources claim nearly 50% of infants end up suffering from acid reflux within only first few months of their lives.

Most parents find their inability to understand and interpret the symptoms of acid reflux in babies frustrating. A baby who experiences acid reflux can only express this through crying, leaving the parent mystified as to the true cause of the behavior.
The sooner parents educate themselves about issues commonly afflicting infants and toddlers, including acid reflux, the sooner they can prevent their baby's pain -- and their own -- and end their own frustration. This is especially important because of the potential long-term negative effects of acid reflux on an infant.

These include a baby's failure to thrive because he or she does not eat enough food. Some babies experience breathing problems as a resulting of damage to their esophageal tissue caused by acid reflux.
Good News About Acid Reflux in Babies

Babies who experience acid reflux exhibit behavior typical among babies. Experienced parents know that babies spit up, vomit and experience irritability regularly. It is difficult, therefore, for them to discriminate between normal baby behavior and symptoms of acid reflux in babies.

Diagnosis of acid reflux in infants depends mainly on how frequent and how severe the symptoms of acid reflux in babies are. Babies suffering from acid reflux cannot keep stomach contents in their stomachs. A baby who vomits each time he or she eats could very well be exhibiting symptoms of acid reflux in babies.

Unlike adult acid reflux disease, musculature does not seem to be the cause of acid reflux in infants. Instead, a baby's young and underdeveloped digestive system is not yet well-coordinated. As a result, a baby's stomach may become too full too fast. The situation is aggravated by the amount of time infants spend on their backs compared to adults.

Parents who suspect their infant is exhibiting symptoms of acid reflux in babies should have their pediatrician examine their baby. As with adults, the first step is a lifestyle change involving things like thickening the baby food with cereal.
If dietary changes fail to resolve the symptoms of acid reflux in babies, the baby may be given over-the-counter or prescription medications. Another option is a special bed that allows the infant to sleep in an inclined position, reducing the reflux.

Whatever the cause of acid reflux in babies and regardless what solution provides them with the most relief, it is certainly good news that majority of infants tend to not suffer long-term consequences as a result of having the disease.

Acid reflux in babies symptoms

If an experienced parent, or one that is beginning, sometimes it is necessary to know in babies symptoms acid reflux. What, exactly, acid reflux is, as well as in its treatment may also be useful. In a world where we all want our children as safe as possible, knowledge is power.

The medical term for acid reflux is "GERD". In simple terms that means that the throat allows fluid from the stomach to flow backwards and it irritated. It is caused by a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus. People suffering from reflux, this muscle is opened and allows stomach acid through. In the newborn infants, this is something very common, known and loved by the parents everywhere.
Referred to as 'spit', and is usually self-correcting between twelve and eighteen months.
Commonly seen symptoms of reflux in infants include frequent spitting, refusing to eat or eat only small amounts, an unusual number of hiccups or cough, being irritable when trying to eat, constant crying or crying for no apparent reason, and that even bad breath. These are the symptoms that are commonly seen.

However, some babies may have less common symptoms. These are the most serious problems and they may include problems in swallowing, sore throats, problems to gain or maintain weight, breathing, such as pneumonia or asthma problems, and when they stop breathing. Along with being scary, these symptoms are a sure sign that something is wrong. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, it is recommended that lead to a doctor quickly.

The treatment of reflux in newborn infants generally depends on any other issues of health, the doctor and the child's age. In the majority of children this problem resolved, so if the child otherwise is healthy and happy the doctor may decide there is no reason to treat the problem. If, however, your child has any of the less common but more sever symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an about one counter resource. In these cases, the child is treated as an adult would. Antacids like Tums, which neutralize the acid in the stomach, suppressers as Zantac, which suppress production of acid, or blockers such as Prevacid, completely blocking the production of acid, are some treatment options.

Although it is not normally advisable to give to the newborn medications, side effects of severe cases of reflux are bad enough as to justify it. A doctor may diagnose the problem in his word alone, but if a problem is suspected, lab tests may be in order.

Note, however, that the doctor does not know your child as you do. If you think something is evil and desire for his son to be treated, then you are entitled to demand treatment.
Although it is common, does not it should be neglected acid reflux in babies symptoms. In the majority, it is not nothing more than a stage of life which will grow rapidly. However, in some countries, may be an uncomfortable and even dangerous problem.

Understanding Acid Reflux Problem In Babies

Acid reflux in babies can be a real trouble for the parents, especially the first time parents. It is pathetic to see the babies who do not know any other way to communicate their pain but to cry inconsolably. Acid reflux symptoms in babies are not as clear as they are in adults and it may be difficult to diagnose.

Acid reflux in babies normally occurs after feed. The contents of the stomach are refluxed back and the baby might spit up or vomit. So, how does one conclude that the spitting up is due to acid reflux and not any other problem? Let us first look at the symptoms of acid reflux disease.

Acid reflux is a common problem in infants. More than 50% of the babies experience acid reflux symptoms during the first three months of age. The symptoms subside on their own after 12-18 months period as the babies' sphincter valve develops fully and strengthens.

Symptoms of Acid reflux Problem in Babies

In case of young babies, acid reflux is also known as "spitting - up". Hence if your child spits up after every feed, then he is more likely to have acid reflux. In addition to this, there can be difficulties in feeding; some babies typically arch their back while trying to avoid feeds. In chronic cases of acid reflux problem in babies, there is no weight gain. Also the baby may pass blood in stool or vomit brown or green colored liquid. While simpler cases of acid reflux can be handled easily, chronic acid reflux needs immediate medical attention.

Acid reflux occurs due to the relaxed lower esophageal sphincter muscle. In case of babies, these muscles may not be fully developed causing the acid reflux problem. When the baby feeds, the stomach extends and the sphincter valve opens up to pass the contents as vomit into the food pipe. In adults, acid reflux problem causes severe heartburn and chest pain. However, in case of babies there is no evidence of the occurrence of heart burn.

As discussed earlier, acid reflux problem is common in babies but with a little bit of care and understanding, parents can overcome this problem. Also the babies with acid reflux problem will have poor sleeping habits and difficulties in sleeping. They may wake up several times before sleeping. It is tough to handle a child with acid reflux and the parents can be completely exhausted.

However, some babies take the acid reflux problem in their stride and are happy spitters. They remain quite happy and satisfied even when dressed in spit from top to bottom!!!

Preventive Measures for Acid Reflux Problems in Babies

With a little precaution and preventive measures, parents may overcome the acid reflux problem in babies. It is advisable to keep the babies in upright position at least 30 minutes after feeds. Even when laying down the baby in the bed, it must be ensured that there head remains inclined at an angle of 30 degrees.

The baby must be given smaller and frequent feeds combined with burping in between the feeds. Overfeeding can result in acid reflux and spitting. Also while making the baby burp, he should be held in such a position that there is no pressure on the stomach. In addition to this, babies with acid reflux problems should be made to wear lighter clothes that are not tight near the stomach and waist area. The breast feeding mothers should eat simple and nutritious diet and should avoid heavy and spicy foods.

In some cases, mixing rice cereals with formula may reduce the acid reflux problems in babies. If the baby is on breast feed, then the mother can express the milk in a feeding bottle before mixing rice cereal.

Final word for Acid Reflux Suffering Babies

The final word is to the parents of the babies, who suffer from acid reflux disease. Acid reflux is a common problem and the parents should not worry excessively about it. As the child grows, this problem goes off on its own in most of the cases. In chronic cases only medications are required.

The parents must be aware of the symptoms of acid reflux and take proper precautions. Finally, with loads of patience, love and understanding, they can deal with the acid reflux problem in a better way.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit acid reflux explained to learn more about infant acid reflux symptoms and other acid reflux symptoms in children.