Gerd in Infants -What causes it?
Infants commonly spit up a little food or liquid after eating but if your infant is frequently vomiting after a meal your infant might have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The symptoms generally include food substances and liquids traveling up from the stomach, entering the esophagus and sometimes entering your infant's mouth and being spit out.
Causes of GERD in Infants
Typically GERD in babies is caused by a gastrointestinal tract that isn't functioning properly. However, most of the infants who have GERD are in good health. Overeating, some food items and certain berevages are also factors that cause GERD. It can also be partially caused by hereditary factors.
Symptoms of GERD in Infants
Symptoms of GERD in infants include frequent coughing, recurring vomiting, heartburn, gas, stomach pain or showing signs of colic such as persistent crying or fussy behavior. They will often regurgitate their food and then proceed to swallow it. You might notice them gagging or having some problems breathing. Some experts believe that a poor growth rate is a sign of GERD in infants as well as recurring bouts of pneumonia.
Diagnosing GERD
Usually information provided by the parents is sufficient for a pediatrician to realize the baby has GERD. In some cases tests need to be completed in able to come up with the correct diagnosis. Tests for GERD in infants include an upper GI series, a ph probe, an upper GI endoscopy and what is referred to as a gastric emptying study.
Treatments for GERD
Doctors usually recommend that the first things parents should do is make some lifestyle changes for their infant. Parents can try elevating the portion of the crib where their baby's head is placed. Parents should hold the infant upright for approximately thirty minutes after the baby has been fed. Check with your doctor to learn if feeding your infant solid foods might be an appropriate and safe procedure for preventing GERD symptoms in your baby. If these easy changes in lifestyle don't eliminate or reduce GERD in your infant your doctor might recommend medication.
Antacids reduce acid in the stomach and antacid products which are considered safe for children are Mylanta and Maalox. Your doctor might recommend acid blockers such as Pepcid, Zantac or Tagamet. Proton pump inhibitors decrease the amount of acid that is produced in a baby's stomach. High dosages of antacids, acid blockers and proton pump inhibitors can produce harmful side effects for babies. Using these products for too long of a time period can also produce harmful side effects. Serious side effects from using these types of medications are rare but make sure you check with your pediatrician before give your infant any of these medications. Discuss with your doctor the various treatments that are available for treating GERD in infants.
