Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Gastroesophageal reflux is a problem that may affect infants and newborns. It is worth understanding its causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods and effective forms of treatment to ensure your child’s comfort and health. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of reflux in infants and newborns, including our suggestions for dealing with the problem.
Reflux in infants – causes
Gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants is caused by immaturity of the lower esophageal sphincter muscles, which do not close properly. There are several factors that may contribute to this problem, including:
- Immaturity of the infant’s digestive system.
- Excessive amount of air swallowed during bottle feeding.
- Incorrect position while feeding.
- Allergic reactions to mother’s or baby’s food.
Reflux in infants – symptoms
The symptoms of reflux in an infant can be varied and not always easy to identify. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Regurgitation after eating.
- Vomiting.
- Irritation while feeding.
- Problems sleeping.
- Respiratory system diseases.
- Decrease in weight gain.
Reflux in infants – diagnosis
If you suspect your baby has reflux, you should consult your pediatrician. Your doctor may order various tests, such as endoscopy, pH testing, or imaging tests, to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the problem.
Gerd in infants – treatment
Treatment of reflux in infants depends on the severity of symptoms. For mild reflux, changing the feeding method and the baby’s eating position is often enough. However, in cases of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), drug treatment may be necessary, such as a proton pump inhibitor, which reduces the amount of stomach acid secreted.
Your suggestions
If your baby has reflux problems, there are some suggested actions to consider:
- Change your baby’s position while feeding to avoid swallowing air.
- Avoid feeding just before bedtime.
- Keep your baby in an upright position after eating.
- Consult your pediatrician regularly and follow his recommendations.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in the topic of reflux in infants and newborns, we recommend reading the following articles:
- “Symptoms and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in children”
- “Diet of a breastfeeding mother and reflux in an infant”
- “Effective ways to deal with regurgitation in babies”
It is worth being well prepared and understanding reflux in an infant to provide it with appropriate care and support in its development.