Acid Reflux Symptoms In Infants

Acid reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux) is a medical term used to describe a condition where food and stomach acid back up into the esophagus. At the bottom of the esophagus is a ring of muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES opens and closes to allow food to enter the stomach. After meals, the LES opens to release gas. However, more than just gas may escape. Stomach contents may flow back into the esophagus and out the mouth. What parents see is the infant spitting up, vomiting can also occur.

Acid reflux can occur during or after a feeding. It can also occur when babies cough or cry as well. Acid reflux occurs in the first three months of age in more than half of all infants. It is quite common and is generally called 'spitting up'. However, most babies do not need treatment. Acid reflux symptoms usually disappear between 12 to 18 months of age. For a very small number of babies the symptoms can be quite severe. In these cases, medical treatment is required.

Common acid reflux symptoms in infants:

• frequent coughing
• frequent hiccups
• wet burps
• bad breath
• frequent spitting up
• irritable while feeding
• frequent waking
• arching back while feeding
• constant or sudden crying
• eating small amounts of food or refusing food

Less common acid reflux symptoms in infants:

• excessive drooling
• frequent sinus or ear infections
• poor weight gain or weight loss
• frequent sore throat
• trouble swallowing
• asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, wheezing

Sometimes your doctor may make a diagnosis of acid reflux based on a parent's description of symptoms and feeding history and a physical exam even if your baby is healthy and growing well. If your baby's doctor suspects a more serious condition, such as GERD they may order more tests. These tests may include esophageal pH monitoring which measures the acidity in your baby's esophagus. Another test is an Upper endoscopy. This is where a tube with a camera lens and light is inserted through the baby's mouth and into the esophagus and stomach. The doctor uses this procedure to see if there is a narrowing or inflammation in the esophagus.

For most babies, acid reflux will disappear during the first year of life. It is extremely important to discuss the treatment options with your baby's doctor before beginning any treatment method, especially before using any over-the-counter medicine.