Lots of babies spit up on a regular basis; however, there are a few conditions that can indicate a more uncomfortable condition called acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux. The Mayo Clinic points out that more than half of all babies experience infant acid reflux, which begins in the first three months of life. As an infant is able to sit up and spend more of her time upright, the reflux will diminish. In some cases, infants may require medication or other forms of treatment to manage the condition. Babies who are not gaining weight at a healthy rate are more likely to receive treatment to manage the reflux. Signs of acid reflux in an infant can vary from subtle to obvious.
Spitting Up
Baby spit up is normal; however, when the fluids are green or brown, the cause is likely acid reflux. Large quantities of spit up, such as more than 1 tbsp. at a time, is not considered normal. It is difficult to measure baby spit up. Parents should take 1 tbsp. of water or a colored liquid and toss it on a plate to see just how it looks. Infant spit up that is not related to reflux can still appear like an alarmingly large quantity of fluids. Another sign that baby spit up is more serious is the distance the fluids travel from the infant's mouth. Projectile vomiting, where fluids travel more than just a few inches away from the body, is a sign of reflux. KeepKidsHealthy.com points out that any spit up that contains blood is a medical emergency and may be a sign of inflammation of the esophagus.
Fussiness
Irritability during or after feedings is a sign of reflux, explains the Mayo Clinic. This fussiness can lead an infant to have poor feeding habits, because she may resist eating. Soon after a meal, she may be irritable, unless she is held upright. Pain is not necessarily a requirement of infant reflux. Babies may appear perfectly happy before and during a bout of reflux. Some infants do have stomach pain or burning that makes them cry more often, especially after eating or when lying down. The fussiness can also be due to the gassiness that often accompanies indigestion.
Weight
An infant with serious acid reflux may not gain weight. She may, even, lose weight from being unable to keep food down. A doctor will monitor this issue closely and may recommend medication to help control the acid.
Respiratory Signs
An infant who has a persistent cough, wheezes or gasps for air may have respiratory complications from reflux, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. The frequent exposure of the throat tissues to acid can cause a raspy cough or voice. These complications are more serious and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
