Symptoms and Treatment for Infant Acid Reflux

Dr. Travis: Janet is worried about her son’s digestion so what’s happening
Janet?

Janet: My baby seems to have acid reflux. He’s really uncomfortable
during and after feedings and he spits up a lot. I was wondering
when it’s time to be more concerned.

Dr. Jim: Well Janet, you wanted to be concerned when if your baby isn’t
gaining weight, if he spitting up forcefully or if he spitting up a
large amount each time or what if the spit up is green or brownish,
that’s a sign a of a problem. If your bay is resisting feedings or if
he is irritable after feedings but improved when held upright, those
are signs to worry. Also if your baby’s having fewer wet diapers
than usual or appears lethargic.

Now what is infant acid reflux? It’s just like adult acid reflux. It’s
basically heart burn but in babies the symptoms usually resolved
by themselves by 12 to 18 months. Those symptoms are spitting
up, they’re irritable during or after feedings or the baby’s having
poor feedings. Then what causes it? Basically, the lower
esophageal sphincter which is a muscle that keeps the stomach
contents from refluxing back into the esophagus is not mature yet
and the baby will feel that heart burn. Or it is also is caused by the
baby eating too much or too fast.

Does it usually need to be tested for? Usually not, the doctor can
usually diagnose it just by physical examine and history but certain
tests are usually done to rule out more serious causes like a hernia
or other abnormalities. The best treatment usually changes in
feeding techniques, avoiding certain foods and medications if it’s
severe.

There’s a few home remedies too, feeding baby in an upright
position, taking the time to burp and raising the head of the crib.
All right when to seek medical advice? Basically if you’re worried
you should call your doctor if the baby seems to be in pain, isn’t
feeding well. Not gaining weight, generally not happy, call the
doctor.

Dr. Travis: Thank you Janet, good luck.