Newborn babies have weakened digestive systems, which is why spitting up after feedings is a normal occurrence. However, in some babies, chronic spitting up and discomfort may indicate that infant reflux is present. Babies with infant reflux need medical attention immediately to make sure there are no underlying causes, such as an obstruction or infection.
The most common symptoms of infant reflux include frequent spitting up, coughing or wheezing, choking or gagging. Because babies struggle to eat and remain comfortable, parents will notice that their babies will not grow properly, gaining little or no weight.
Many colic symptoms are experienced with infant reflux as well, such as gas, abdominal pain and extreme fussiness and crying. This discomfort and irritability can also lead babies to having difficulty sleeping at night. If a parents suspects that his or her child may have infant reflux, the baby needs to be seen by a doctor immediately.
The first course of action is for the doctor to determine if there are underlying factors that may contribute to the infant reflux. The doctor will make sure there are no infections or obstructions present by doing an upper GI series, which is where barium is used to highlight the esophagus, stomach and small intestine in an X-ray.
Another test that can be used is called a pH probe. Although thought to be the best test in determining infant reflux, a pH probe test does not always provide conclusive results. The test involves placing a thin tube with a probe at the end in through the nose and into the esophagus. The levels of stomach acid in the infant are then measured using the probe.
The most invasive test used to determine infant reflux is an upper GI endoscopy. This is only used if the other tests provide inconclusive results, and the infant is still showing symptoms of infant reflux. An endoscope, which is a thin long tube, is used to look through the esophagus, stomach and small intestine.
Fortunately, most babies can be treated easily for infant reflux and over time, the symptoms will subside. In fact, most babies with acid reflux will outgrow the condition by the time they are toddlers. For others, the symptoms can be managed quite easily using acid blockers and antacids.
Other lifestyle changes will need to be implemented as well, such as keeping the baby in an upright position for 30 minutes or more after each feeding. It’s also best to keep the baby elevated while lying in a crib or bassinet. Finally, parents can introduce solid foods into the diet with the doctor’s permission.
If these remedies do not work in infant reflux, a doctor will have to look further and prescribe prescription medication. Medications that help to regulate the gastrointestinal tract can be given, as well as medications that help to speed up the digestion process. Because these medications can only be prescribed by doctors, they also present more side effects and are only recommended if absolutely needed.
In severe cases of infant reflux, surgery may be a possibility. Keep in mind however, that surgery is not common in infant reflux cases and is only used as a last result. If surgery is needed however, the most common procedure done is called the Nissen fundoplication. Here, the top portion of the stomach is wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus.
Another type of surgery that can be performed is called a pyloroplasty. A pyloroplasty is where the lower portion of the stomach is cut in order to relax the muscle and widen the opening. The cut is then re-stitched. This procedure can be done in addition to the Nissen fundoplication. Both are effective, but pose their own risks.