Most babies will spit up from time to time, especially in the first six months of life. This common occurrence is referred to as reflux; the backward flow of substances in the stomach into the esophagus. For this reason, it can be difficult for parents to spot whether or not their baby has acid reflux.

For the first few months of life, parents will see their newborns spit up quite often. This is because a newborn’s digestive system is weak and is still attempting to work properly in digesting food. Once a newborn reaches three months of age, parents should see a decrease in the amount and spit up. However, in babies with acid reflux, the condition will only worsen.

Acid reflux, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a serious medical condition that strikes approximately 1 in 300 infants. The most common sign is chronic spitting up, whether formula or breastfed. There are many other symptoms that mimic colicky behavior and a baby may show one or all of them. Other symptoms of acid reflux in babies are a refusal to eat, irritability and crying when being fed, and hiccups and coughing.

Parents will also notice their babies having difficulty sleeping at night as a result of hunger or discomfort and having an arched back during feedings. Babies with acid reflux will usually catch some comfort from having their stomachs touched and rubbed, so parents can do this to help soothe their little ones. Because babies with acid reflux experience such discomfort while eating, these babies usually have little or no weight gain.

If a parent suspects that his or her child may have acid reflux, there are a number of tests which can be run. The best test to determine acid reflux in babies is the pH probe. A thin tube with a tiny probe at the end is administered through the nose and into the esophagus. The probe will then measure the acidity in the stomach.

Another way to determine acid reflux in babies is by doing a upper GI series. An upper GI series is an X-ray test where barium is used to show how the esophagus, stomach and small intestine are working. Doctors look for underlying problems that may contribute to the esophagus being small or obstructed.

During an upper GI endoscopy, a doctor uses an endoscope to look through a baby’s esophagus, stomach and small intestine. While the endoscopy is being performed, the doctor can take a pinch biopsy of the esophagus to see if reflux is present. While the endoscope is thin and flexible, an upper GI endoscopy is still an invasive procedure and only done if necessary.

Once it has been determined that a baby has acid reflux, there are several steps that parents can take to help manage the reflux. These include elevating the baby’s head while in a crib and holding a baby upright for about 30 minutes after each feeding.

Depending on the age of the baby, some doctors will recommend adding solid foods to a baby’s diet or thickening breast milk or formula with cereal. These changes, although simple, can offer babies with acid reflux more comfort with their feedings.

Unfortunately, acid reflux in babies can be quite severe, making simple lifestyle changes not enough. In these cases, doctors may prescribe medications to make the baby more comfortable. Antacids and acid blockers are safe to use in infants and include such options as Mylanta, Maalox or Zantac. Parents can also treat the colicky and intestinal gas symptoms.

Keep in mind that reflux is a common occurrence in young babies and parents should not be alarmed unless the symptoms become quite persistent and severe, leading an infant to feeling uncomfortable and irritable.

Related Posts

• Infant Reflux
• Reflux Babies
• Acid Reflux Diet
• Reflux Treatment
• Symptoms of Reflux
• Is anyone aware of any natural cures or remedies in which dairy is not involved?
• What’s the difference between Acid Reflux Disease and GERD?

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