Infant Reflux
Infant Reflux
This condition occurs when there is reflux of the food from a baby’s stomach causing the baby to spit up. It is not a very serious condition. It is not common for a baby to have reflux even after 18 months of age.
It is not a major concern if occur in a healthy baby. However,it may be sometimes a sign of allergic reaction .
Symptoms
As infantile reflux is not of major concern and usually baby stomach don’t produce much acid enough to irritate the lining . That’s why there is usually no clinical signs or symptoms present in patient.
Causes
- As baby is in growing stage lower esophageal sphincter is not fully developed which resulted in reflux
- Usual position of baby is lying on bed which is an important contributer of reflux
- Diet being liquid mostly
- Premature babies are more prone.
- It may be caused by full blow gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- From protein intolerance towards cow milk
- Eosinophillic eosophagitis
- Pyloric stenosis of valve between stomach and small intestine
Complications
- If this condition is because of GERD it will lead to growth retardation.
Diagnosis
- Ultrasound to detect possible pyloric stenosis.
- Esophageal reflux ph is continuously checked.
- Urine and blood samples are collected to rule out the cause.
- X-ray procedures
- Upper gut endoscopy
Treatment
- Bite of food should be small and frequent feeding.
- Burping the baby frequently.
- After feeding hold baby in upright posture for half hours
- If baby is showing allergic reaction eliminate dairy from diet.
- Use appropriate size of nipple.
- Short term prescription of acid blocking drugs can be prescribed like cimetidine.
- Fundoplication can be done to over come excessive reflux.
Home Remedies
- Hold baby in upright posture.
- Feed your baby slowly when breastfeeding or when feeding from bottle.
- Frequently make your baby burp properly.
- When sleeping place your baby on his or her back.