Symptoms Of Gastroesophagel Reflux In Infants
Bringing a newborn home can be an overwhelming prospect and many first time parents, as well as experienced ones, can feel out of their comfort zone. Many parents find that they have a newborn that seems to exhibit repeat symptoms, like being extremely fussy. Most parents have heard the term "colic" before, and attribute this to their baby's fussiness.
There can be other reasons for this; one is gastroesophagel reflux in infants.
What Is Gastroesophagel Reflux In Infants?
Gastroesophagel reflux in infants is caused by the malfunction of a muscle that is between the stomach and the esophagus. This muscle is like a door that needs to be shut when the food passes through on its way to the stomach. Sometimes this door gets stuck, causing a reflux reaction in the stomach and the food to be forced back up.
What Causes Gastroesophagel Reflux In Infants
Sometimes the cause of gastroesophagel reflux in infants is just an immature muscle that needs time to become fully operational. Once this occurs, infants with gastroesophagel reflux are no longer bothered with the symptoms.
Sometimes the problem is more severe and gastroesophagel reflux in infants needs to be taken seriously because of the possibility of other problems. This can include a problem with the intestenial tract that may have to do with a malformation that will require surgery to repair. Or the infant could have an allergy to milk or even an ulcer. It is important to eliminate all possibilities when looking at gastroesophagel reflux in infants.
Symptoms Of Gastroesophagel Reflux In Infants
Some of the most common symptoms of gastroesophagel reflux in infants are, throwing up after every feeding. Often this can be projectile vomiting as it is a strongly forced vomit.
Another symptom is constant crying and the infant can also exhibit symptoms of arching the back and writhing. The infant may also prefer to be in an upright position. Make sure to have observations of when the infant is having these symptoms to share with a doctor.
A diagnosis is made by putting a small tube down the esophagus and measuring overnight the levels of acid within the stomach. This is uncomfortable for the infant but the best way to determine if the infant has gastroesophagel reflux.
If this is determined to be the cause of the discomfort and other symptoms, your doctor may prescribe some medication or other alternative treatments for the baby. Most infants out grow this condition at around seven months.
Gastroesophagel reflux in infants is certainly a distressing condition, but the infant will mature and the symptoms will abate.
