Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a condition in which stomach acid is pushed up out of the stomach and into the esophagus. This may cause a significant amount of pain as the acid burns the esophageal lining. In an infant, this pain may manifest itself as colic, or it may be even more severe with accompanying vomiting, choking or respiratory infection, according to popular pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Parents who suspect GERD in their infant should make an appointment with their pediatrician, as a variety of treatments are available.
Diet
Renowned pediatrician Dr. Jay Gordon advises breastfeeding mothers of colicky or GERD babies to remove dairy and, if symptoms do not improve, citrus, peanuts, eggs, and wheat, from their diets. Mothers should continue to breastfeed, however, as infant formula is dairy- or soy- based and therefore more potentially allergenic. Sometimes simple diet modification is all it takes to eradicate symptoms of GERD in an infant.
Position
Gravity is a significant player in GERD. Infants may be horizontal much of the time, making it easier for stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Parents often note an improvement in symptoms when they hold their babies upright for 30 minutes after each feeding. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants sleep on their backs to prevent SIDS, it may be safer for reflux babies to sleep at a slightly elevated angle on their left sides, according to Dr. Sears. Doing so makes it more difficult for the stomach contents to regurgitate.
Size of Feeding
Sometimes GERD results from eating too much. If the stomach is excessively full, it is difficult for it to confine its contents. Dr. Sears advises parents to offer their infants smaller feedings more frequently. Often they see an improvement in symptoms, not only because the stomach is not as full but also because frequent feeding stimulates the production of saliva which, according to Dr. Sears, neutralizes stomach acid and repairs the esophagus.
Loose Esophageal Sphincter
A surgery called fundoplication can eradicate some symptoms of GERD. During the surgery, a portion of the upper stomach is wrapped around the esophagus. This tightens the esophageal sphincter and makes it more difficult for reflux to occur. Because it is a surgery, however, it is invasive and should only be considered for severe GERD cases in which the esophageal sphincter is excessively loose.
