Infant Acid Reflux Disease

Infant acid reflux disease is the technical term used when a baby spits up. The frequency of this condition generally takes place following the baby’s feeding. However, infant acid reflux can occur following any incidents of strain placed upon the baby’s stomach. The symptoms can include coughing and crying.

The condition of infant acid reflux usually resolves itself within the first 18 months of birth. However, for the new parents, this condition may prove to be very disturbing. Therefore, it is important to know what causes infant acid reflux disease, what steps to take and when to consult with a doctor.

Causes Of Infant Acid Reflux Disease

When an infant spits up or exhibits infant acid reflux there are certain physiological dynamics taking place which causes this condition. This spitting up may be due to the fact that the baby has taken in too much liquid or foods or may be due to other causes.

Those other causes may be an added strain on the stomach. The infant acid reflux disease, in these situations, is due to the fact that the muscle sphincter or muscle ring between the stomach and the esophagus relaxes or opens due to crying, coughing, etc. When this muscle relaxes or opens the contents of the stomach are released causing the backward flow of the food or liquid (ie. foods are flowing upwards to the esophagus).

In addition, it is important to note that infant acid reflux disease is a natural occurrence due to the age of the baby. This young age reflects the underdeveloped strength of this particular muscle ring in the stomach. As the baby develops in a healthy manner, the strength and the function of the muscle sphincter will develop correspondingly.

Practical Steps To Minimize The Condition Of Infant Acid Reflux

To minimize the condition of infant acid reflux disease there are a number of steps that the parent can take. First of all, it is important to remain calm. This will not only help to reduce the tension and anxiety that the parents may be experiencing, but will also help to minimize the anxiousness of the infant.

Also, the position of the baby is important during feeding times. Therefore, the child should be sitting up when taking liquid or being fed with solid food. This upright position will help the food to remain in the stomach.

Additionally, a helpful tip to minimize infant acid reflux is to have more frequent feedings with less foods for each feeding. This will help in preventing overeating and yet satisfy the infant’s hunger.

Take note that it is important to burp your child frequently. This will allow for the escape of air that may be building up in the stomach. It is best not to burp the child by placing the infant over the shoulder. This may cause additional pressure on the baby’s stomach.

Consulting With A Doctor

However, in some situations, there may be a need to consult with your doctor regarding infant acid reflux disease. This consultation may be indicated by some serious symptoms exhibited by your child.

Some of those symptoms may include limited or no weight gain. Additional warning signs maybe the spitting up of brownish or green fluid, frequent vomiting, loss of appetite or a raspy voice. Also, if urination is very minimal or if diarrhea is present or the child is feverish, these could be possible signs associated with infant acid reflux disease or other severe stomach ailments. Then it’s best to consult a doctor.