Dealing With Acid Reflux in Infants
Acid reflux can be quite serious, but nothing is worse than acid reflux in infants. Acid reflux in infants is especially worrisome because an infant's stomach is so small and their stomach lining so thin, and so the odds of acid reflux being dangerous are increased significantly when it comes to infants and young children.
What it is
Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when stomach acids are regurgitated back up into the esophagus. This typically refers in a burning sensation, what is also known as heartburn. Other commonly experienced symptoms associated with this condition are regurgitation, belching, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
Acid Reflux in Infants
There are a few factors that are especially important to know when it comes to acid reflux in infants. Acid reflux is actually very common in infants, and most often occurs during the first three months of age.
There are a few signs and symptoms that you will typically notice if your baby has acid reflux, and this includes frequent spitting up or vomiting, refusing food when eating only small amounts, frequent hiccups, poor sleeping habits, sudden or constant crying, irritability when feeding, bad breath, and frequent coughing.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is a very important step when it comes to acid reflux in infants. If you ever notice any of the previously mentioned symptoms in your little one, you are going to want to get them in to see the doctor as soon as possible, so that a proper assessment and diagnosis can be made. Lab tests are usually performed, and this can consist of various blood and urine tests which will help to identify whether they are actually suffering from acid reflux or not.
Treatment
Treatment is the next step, but remember that proper treatment can really only be implemented once a definite diagnosis has been made. Antacids, acid suppressers, and acid blockers are the most commonly recommended to treating this condition in infants, and if the reflux is particularly serious the doctor may even prescribe a prescription medication.
If you are breastfeeding the child this is also going to have an effect on their condition, and so you will want to make sure that you are not eating any foods that are going to aggravate their acid reflux. This would include citrus fruits, spicy foods, and foods that are high in fat and sugar. It can be hard to see your child go through the pain caused by acid reflux, but know that there is help and ways to get them feeling healthy and happy once again.
