Acid Reflux Causes

Infant Acid Reflux

Infant acid reflux is common in premature babies. A staggering 50% of babies suffer with acid reflux during early infancy. This usually occurs if digestive system of infant is not developed completely and the esophageal sphincter is not ready to perform its function properly. Infants suffering with acid reflux regurgitates frequently after feeding. They become fussy due to the discomfort being caused due to acid reflux.

Infant acid reflux though causes discomfort and irritation but usually it withers off after 12-18 months. Once the sphincter muscles of esophageal tube is developed completely and start performing its activity properly, the regurgitation of food is stopped and acid reflux symptoms stops. But one major problem this temporary problem can cause is infants start associating the unpleasant sensations with feeding and refuse to feed properly.

Common infant acid reflux symptoms are coughing, wheezing, bad breath, wet burps, being fussy, crying frequently and refusing to feed. Babies also report poor weight gain, pneumonia, sore throat and difficulty in swallowing.

If you notice any infant acid reflux symptoms you must consult your pediatrician immediately. He will evaluate symptoms and perform certain physical exams before confirming acid reflux. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent your baby from several respiratory and digestive problems in future. Prolonged untreated acid reflux some times causes several complications.

To minimize acid reflux symptoms, you must feed her in small doses after small intervals. After feeding hold her upright for sometime and burp her. You doctor may also suggest you different feeding positions with which milk reaches stomach easily and digestion for baby becomes easier. Medication is usually not prescribed but if required doctors may suggest certain drops that help baby in digesting.

Breast milk is best for the babies. But mothers need to take care about what they are eating when they are nursing their babies. Eating spicy, oily or fried fast foods can aggravate the acid reflux in infants. Consuming fresh fruits like apples, pineapples and fresh vegetables like carrots, cauliflower etc helps babies to reduce acid reflux symptoms.