1. Reflux Occurs During First Months of Life
Infant acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when stomach contents flow from the esophagus to the baby's mouth. Some healthy infants experience this acid reflux because the lower esophageal sphincter, or the ring at the bottom of the esophagus, is not yet strong enough to let food properly enter the stomach, causing build up of acid and food contents. Normally in older children and adults, the lower esophageal sphincter closes and opens to release food into the stomach as well as gas. Infant acid reflux appears during the first three months of a baby's life, and then disappears after 12 to 18 months.
2. Common Symptoms Include Regurgitation
Acid produced in the stomach causes infants to experience reflux, which results in spitting up or mild vomiting during or after meals. Infant acid reflux can also happen when your baby cries, coughs or strains because of increased pressure on the stomach. Other symptoms associated with infant acid reflux include irritability, stomach discomfort and overfeeding.
3. Other Signs Are Worrisome
Abnormal symptoms include poor weight gain or growth because of the inability to digest enough food. Stomach pain, which may cause your baby to refuse food, may also be a warning sign. Breathing problems, blood in the stool or blood loss, also require a doctor visit. Blood loss can occur because the acid burns the esophagus during reflux. Also, contact the doctor if your baby spits up forcefully or spits up green or brown fluid, and has a fever or diarrhea. These all could be signs of GERD, which is a severe form of acid reflux that damages the esophagus if left untreated.
4. Screening Detects Gastrointestinal Problems
Normal acid reflux can be diagnosed through a routine physical exam, while more serious cases, require lab tests and monitoring. The doctor sometimes performs blood and urine tests to determine the cause of constant vomiting or weight loss. Esophageal pH Monitoring may be required to measure acidity in the baby's esophagus. A 24-hour hospital stay may be required for observation. An Upper GI Series test requires X-rays of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Upper Endoscopy determines whether there's inflammation of the esophagus. For this procedure, the doctor administers a general anesthesia, and then places a special tube with a camera through the baby's mouth to view the esophagus, stomach and part of the small intestine.
5. Treatment Depends On the Baby's Overall Health
Normal acid reflux disappears on its own, so treatment or medication is unnecessary. Modifications such as feeding your baby smaller, more frequent meals can reduce overfeeding, which increases the chance of regurgitation. Keeping your baby upright or burping your baby between feedings can also decrease the onset of acid reflux. If the doctor determines that a food allergy triggers the acid reflux, then switching baby formulas may help. The doctor may prescribe special doses of heartburn medication for serious acid reflux.
