When your child is unable to hold down food, he is considered to have a sour stomach. Although sour stomach is usually not serious, medical attention may be required in some cases. Most often, sour stomachs resolve by themselves. Pediatricians William and Martha Sears advise you to seek medical attention if the pain is in the lower right side of the abdomen or is accompanied by dark green bile vomit.
Symptoms
Sour stomach describes when your child is not able to hold down food. He may spit up small amounts of formula after eating, which is a generally mild common occurrence. If your child has a severe sour stomach, he may show such symptoms as vomiting large amounts of fluid, crying uncontrollably, pulling knees up to chest, appearing dehydrated, having red diarrhea or diarrhea of any sort and continuous vomiting for six to 24 hours
Causes
Nonserious conditions typically involve small amounts of food being spit up. Occasionally lactose intolerance or a milk allergy may cause these symptoms. More serious medical conditions that produce sour stomach include Pyloric stenosis (stomach blockage), intussusception (bowel obstruction) or viral gastroenteritis.
Medical Treatments
Spitting up usually does not require medical attention unless it begins to interfere with your baby's weight gain, heart rate or breathing patterns. If sour stomach is causing problems with weight gain, heart rate, breathing patterns or dehydration, medical assistance is required. Medicine may be required to aid your baby in digesting food better or decreasing acidic secretions. If your infant's condition is serious, such as a physical blockage like intussusception, surgery may be required.
Prevention/Solution
To help your baby reduce spitting up, try feeding smaller amounts of formula at one time, and burp often, after every 1 to 2 oz. Have your baby elevated when feeding her, instead of lying down. When she's awake, let her sit upright in a swing or car seat. During naptime, have her lie on her side, at a 30-degree angle. Your doctor may also recommend thickening the formula a little bit with rice cereal; if intolerance to the formula is suspected, consider switching formula types. Some alternatives for formulas are lactose-free, soy-based or hypoallergenic.
Warning
If your baby is unable to keep food down for extended periods, he may be at risk for weight loss and dehydration. Getting enough food and nutrition is vital in helping your baby develop properly and fight off infections. Serious conditions involving blockages of the stomach or intestine are life-threatening illnesses that must be treated right away. When in doubt, consult with your pediatrician.
