About half of all babies spit up during or after a feeding because of acid reflux --- a condition in which food and stomach acids back up into the tube that connects the mouth and stomach. In most cases, reflux isn't cause for concern. Yet some infants can experience breathing difficulties and other worrisome symptoms that deserve medical attention.
Reasons for Reflux
Acid reflux --- also known as gastroesophageal reflux --- commonly occurs in the first three months of a baby's life, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Usually, this can be traced to a problem with the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring of muscles designed to close up after food travels down the esophagus and enters the stomach to be digested. Mayo Clinic experts note that this part of a baby's anatomy might not be fully mature. As a result, meals can back up and cause infants to spit up.
Serious Symptoms
Gastroesophageal reflux typically isn't considered a problem in babies who don't show any signs of distress and are growing normally. However, if your baby is coughing, wheezing or having trouble breathing during feeding times, tell your pediatrician. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends contacting your child's doctor if your baby isn't gaining weight, vomits green or yellow fluid, cries or is irritable when being fed, or refuses food.
Possible Treatments
If your baby is experiencing serious symptoms related to GER, your doctor might recommend changing the formula you use, or what you eat while breastfeeding, to rule out a food allergy. Your doctor also might prescribe medications that reduce stomach acids and reflux symptoms.
Helpful Changes
With most cases of GER, doctors first recommend making some lifestyle changes. These changes might include giving your baby smaller feedings more often, burping your baby more frequently during meals, holding your baby upright for up to 30 minutes after a feeding and avoiding tight diapers. Sometimes doctors also suggest thickening formula or breast milk with rice cereal.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Reflux and GERD
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants
- Mayo Clinic; Spitting Up in Babies: What's Normal, What's Not; May 21, 2011
- North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition: Parent's Take Home Guide to GERD
