Acid reflux is fairly common in infants and may extend into toddlerhood as well. When a baby or toddler has acid reflux, his stomach contents travel back up into the esophagus. The National Digestive Disorders Information Clearinghouse refers to this as regurgitation, though most refer to it as spitting up or vomiting.
Time Frame
According to the National Digestive Disorders Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC, acid reflux occurs in more than 50 percent of all infants aged 12 weeks and under. In other words, most infants have some degree of acid reflux. In most cases, it does not cause problems or discomfort. In fact, the NDDIC reports that this type of benign reflux usually disappears by toddlerhood, somewhere between 12 and 24 months of age.
Features of Reflux
Perhaps the most common symptoms of acid reflux is its hallmark: spitting up or vomiting. This regurgitation of stomach contents may occur after meals or when the baby is placed on his back. In toddlers, additional symptoms may be present. These include bad breath, cavities or enamel problems, a hoarse voice and a persistent sore throat.
More Serious Signs of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux in infants and toddlers may become severe enough to require medical intervention. If the child is not gaining adequate weight, or if he begins to refuse meals, medications may be necessary. Some other signs that acid reflux is becoming a problem include the baby arching his back or writhing after eating, coughing or wheezing and showing signs of discomfort when placed on his back. For some, the regurgitated fluid may take on an unusual appearance, including a yellow tinge or an appearance such as coffee grounds. The NDDIC warns that any of these changes require prompt medical attention.
Prevention/Solution
The NDDIC reports that many babies do not need medications for their acid reflux; simple feeding and positioning changes may be enough to manage their condition. These include thickening a baby's formula or expressed breast milk, keeping him upright for 30 minutes after feeding and feeding him smaller meals more frequently. In addition, the NDDIC suggests burping baby more frequently, such as before and a few times during each meal.
Acid Reflux Medications
As with adults, babies and toddlers may also be prescribed medications that help keep acid reflux under control. The Mayo Clinic reports that H-2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors may be prescribed to children for reflux; however, these remedies do carry the risk of side effects. Because of this, they are generally not prescribed unless a doctor feels the benefits outweigh the risks. Additionally, surgery is an option; however, the Mayo Clinic reports this is rarely necessary for young children.
