Acid Reflux in Babies - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Remedies

Here, you will briefly learn about acid reflux in babies.

Although it is quite common for infants to spit up a little after eating, frequent vomiting might be a sign of acid reflux, or gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Acid reflux in infants or babies is fairly prevalent and treatable, but can cause discomfort and even injury if it is left alone without treatment. This is especially true in cases in which the babies are unable to hold down their food and liquid, which can lead to dehydration and malnourishment.

Luckily, there are natural ways of treating acid reflux in babies without having to rely on medications that contain chemicals.

Causes

For the most part, acid reflux in babies is caused by a gastrointestinal tract that is inadequately coordinated. Some babies are still healthy overall, but others can also have problems that affect their muscles, nerves, or brain. There are some factors, such as certain foods, medications, beverages, and overeating, that can also lead to baby acid reflux, too, along with the fact that it is more prevalent in some families.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of acid reflux in babies include frequent vomiting, abdominal pain, gas, fussiness, regurgitation, feeding problems, breathing problems, and recurrent wheezing. Sometimes, a baby with simple gas can be confused with one that is colicky. Remember to burp the baby several times during a feeding to ensure that the gas is not getting trapped in its stomach. The symptoms of gas and acid reflux can be similar, but with gas, a baby shouldn't be regurgitating or vomiting.

Tips for Relief, Remedies and Treatment

Changing the baby's diet is usually the first place to start when it comes to treating acid reflux in babies the natural way. If the baby has intolerance to the formula that you are using, then switching formulas might be helpful. It can be beneficial to speak to your health care practitioner about this. Some babies do better on soy milk, for instance. However, when switching formulas, it must be done gradually so that their digestive system has a chance to get used to the new formula.

If the baby doesn't have an allergy to its current formula, or if you are breastfeeding, then giving the baby more frequent feedings throughout the day in smaller portions might be helpful. In addition, you can also try thickening the formula with rice cereal. This will keep the liquid from moving up into the esophagus once it has reached the stomach. Remember to hold your baby upright when feeding, too, and not keeping it flat on its back, as that will help promote acid reflux.

Most of the time, babies with acid reflux grow out of the condition. By using natural methods to treat the baby, such as re-formulating the way that you feed it, acid reflux disease symptoms can be alleviated, too.

However, if you find that switching formulas, giving the baby more frequent feedings, burping it several times during the feeding, and thickening the formula are not helpful, then you should speak to your baby's pediatrician. Although acid reflux in babies is not always serious, complications can arise if the baby isn't getting the right amount of nutrients.

To learn more about this ailment, read the other related acid reflux articles and pages on this website.

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Click here for more pages and articles on Acid Reflux.

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