Acid Reflux in Children and Infants

Here, you will briefly learn about acid reflux in children and infants.

In the perfect body, once the food has passed through the esophagus, the muscle at its bottom (called the lower esophageal sphincter - LES) closes, making sure the stomach contents stay in the stomach where they belong.

It is when the LES does not close properly that food and drink mixed with acid can come back through into the esophagus. Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GER) can begin during infancy, though just a small number of babies have GER when they are older.

While it is common for a baby to spit up after meals, GER may be the cause of frequent vomiting in infants. Most often, the reflux reaction in an infant is due to a gastrointestinal tract that is not coordinated properly, causing the upward movement of acid / stomach content, not just back into the esophagus, but out of the mouth as well.

It is not always easy to know what is going on in your baby's little belly, but there are some signs and symptoms typical of acid reflux in children. Some, of course, can only be used with older children, but many can be indicators for infants as well.

So, what are some signs and symptoms of acid reflux in children and / or infants?

A tender abdominal region above the belly button can be an indicator of acid reflux, as can pickiness concerning food / food refusal; bad breath; gagging / choking - especially at night; a nagging cough with the need for water; frequent runny noses and / or sore throats; weight loss or inability to gain weight; poor sleep; what sounds to be hoarseness or excessive drooling; all these fit the profile.

It is a good idea to see your baby's doctor if you are in doubt as to whether or not he or she is suffering from acid reflux in children, as he can combine the symptoms with an examination for a diagnosis. The course of treatment will depend on not only the child's symptoms, but the age as well.

About 35% of the 4 million babies born each year have a reflux difficulty in the first few months of their lives, and most will have outgrown the condition before they are a year old. Some will not, however, and occasionally babies do not spit up but still have other symptoms. If the acid reflux is coming up and then going back down the esophagus, it could cause twice the problems as far as both pain and damage are concerned.

How about acid reflux in children who are older?

In the case of older children, the causes and symptoms of GER are much the same as they are in adults. Many factors are the same, such as overeating, particular foods or beverages, obesity, and even some medications. Of course, there is the commonality of running in the family.

Unlike the very young ones, older children can tell you if they hurt, have gas, or suffer from abdominal pain, and it is easy to notice things like choking, gagging, and poor eating habit, especially in association with certain foods. This is one big difference between acid reflux in children and acid reflux in infants / babies.

What lifestyle changes can be made for infants? Firstly, try elevating the head of sleeping areas, or hold the baby's head up 30 or so minutes after feeding, as both will allow gravity to help control reflux. Formula may be thickened just a bit to add weight, or altering the feeding schedule may help.

With older children, you can keep them up for a few hours, give them 4 to 6 smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to three, as well as limit foods such as citrus and tomato products, peppermint, orange juice, chocolate and carbonated beverages.

Having read about acid reflux in children and infants, you can learn more about this condition by reading the other related acid reflux articles and pages.

Read More: More on Acid Reflux | Natural Health Remedies for Various Ailments and Conditions | Home Page | Site Search

Need relief from acid reflux? Click here to read the Reflux Remedy Report, where you can learn to overcome reflux using 3 common grocery items, or click here for a free acid reflux analysis by a medical doctor.

Click here to learn about a holistic system for helping you overcome acid reflux, heartburn, chest pain and discomfort, as well as other digestive disorders.

Click here to learn about how to end digestive pain, including that caused by acid reflux.

Click here for natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for acid reflux.

Click here for more pages and articles on Acid Reflux.

Some Related Acid Reflux Pages

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

Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms and Signs

Acid Reflux Food to Avoid - What to Remove From Your Diet

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux - Home Treatments for Relief

Anti Acid Reflux Diets - Foods to Eat and Avoid

Natural Acid Reflux Cures and Remedies - Treatment and Relief

Home Remedies for Acid Reflux - Natural Relief

Acid Reflux in Children and Infants

Acid Reflux Natural Remedies - Treatment and Relief

Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Reflux Relief Benefits

Foods for Acid Reflux Relief and Recovery - Useful Diet Tips and Habits

Baby Reflux - Tips for Relief for Acid Reflux in Infants

Natural Acid Reflux Treatment - Home Remedies and Lifestyle Cures