Infant Acid Reflux Symptoms

Infant acid reflux symptoms are a very common phenomenon and more than 50% of the newborns suffer from it during the first three months of age. However, in certain cases, infant acid reflux may continue till 12-18 months of age. The good part is that "spitting up" or infant acid reflux subsides on its own in majority of the cases as the baby gets a little older.

Normally infant acid reflux symptoms occur after feeding the baby. The most common symptoms are that the baby might spit up, cry inconsolably and seem uncomfortable after feeds. Infant acid reflux may occasionally turn into a chronic one and in this case medical intervention is required.

Causes and Symptoms of Infant Acid Reflux

The cause for infant acid reflux is similar to that of the acid reflux found in adults. The opening of the lower esophageal sphincter valve, during the process of digestion causes the feed to be spitted up. The sphincter valve in infants may not have enough strength to hold because it may not have been fully developed. The infant acid reflux or spiting up may also occur because the baby would have over fed; hence, the infant acid reflux.

The most common symptoms of infant acid reflux that most of the babies will experience are frequent hiccups, wet burps, difficulties in sleeping with frequent waking up, bad breath, sudden crying etc. Babies showing such symptoms are generally "happy spitters" and the parents do not need to worry much. The problem generally will go without much bothering you.

However, symptoms of chronic infant acid reflux are that the baby is refusing to feed, not gaining sufficient weight, constantly coughing, showing slower growth and passing blood in stool, frequent ear infections etc. In such cases of chronic infant acid reflux, one must consult the pediatrician.

Preventive Measured for Infant Acid Reflux

Infant acid reflux generally occurs after the baby has his feeds. Hence, keeping the baby in upright position for around 30 minutes after feeds can help. Similarly keeping the baby in prone position (on his stomach) and inclined at an angle of 30 degrees is advisable.

Smaller and frequent feeds rather than over feeding the baby can also aid in reducing the symptoms of infant acid reflux. Over feeding can increase the abdominal pressure and the baby may spit out. Making the child burp in between feeds can help remove the excess air from the stomach. Rice cereal is known to reduce the regurgitation of food, which is a common symptom of infant acid reflux. Adding rice cereal to the formula or pumped breast milk can be done. Nursing mothers should avoid caffeinated products as these can aggravate infant acid reflux.

Yet another preventive measure for infant acid reflux is to use light clothes for infants. Diapers should be loosened. The baby should not be given juices of citrus foods such as oranges and grapefruits as these can increase the spitting and vomiting due to infant acid reflux. Treatment for infant acid reflux is a combination of one or more of the above mentioned measures. However, infants may also be given prescription drugs in small dosages as suggested by the pediatrician. And above all, loads of patience and with a little presence of mind, infant acid reflux can be cured.

Related articles

Acid Reflux Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms

Acid Reflux Pain Often Mistaken For Heart Attack

Acid Reflux Stomach Cramping

Acid Reflux Symptoms And Cures

What Are the Acid Reflux Symptoms in Children?

Bad Breath and Acid Reflux Relationship

Burping With Acid Reflux: A Symptom Of Acid Reflux:

Symptoms of Heartburn Acid Reflux Disease

Infant Acid Reflux Symptoms

Newborn Acid Reflux Symptoms