Acid Reflux Treatment in Infants

Acid reflux or GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) is the backward flow of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus, and sometimes, out of the mouth. In the long term, acid reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus and cause other health problems. Almost all infants spit up some part of the food, after feeding. This is commonly known as 'spitting up'. Generally, this phenomenon disappears in more than half of the infants, as they reach 12 to 18 months of age; but in some babies, this condition persists. It can also lead to some other health problems, like respiratory diseases.

The common symptoms of this disease in infants include frequent vomiting or spitting up, sudden or constant crying, feeding problems, refusal of food, arching the neck or back while feeding, recurrent choking and gagging, frequent hiccups and burps, bad breath, breathing problems, wheezing and recurrent pneumonia. In some babies, this disease may cause sore throat, poor weight gain, frequent ear or sinus infections, etc.

Treatment of acid reflux in infants depends on the symptoms and its severity. Symptoms may vary from one infant to another. Some babies may outgrow this condition, as they grow. Doctors may not suggest any treatment, in case of babies, who are otherwise healthy. Treatment is necessary, if more severe symptoms are observed or if the infant is diagnosed with gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Generally, treatment includes some lifestyle changes and medications.

Lifestyle Changes

Treatment of acid reflux in infants with very mild symptoms, like spitting up may include some lifestyle changes to ease the problem. The following are the changes in lifestyle that are recommended for babies:

• Change the feeding position of your baby. Keep him/her upright during feeding and for thirty minutes after the feeding.
• Elevate the head of the baby's bed by 30 degrees. This may help to prevent the flowing back of stomach contents.
• Go for small and frequent feedings, as overfeeding can cause reflux.
• You can gently pat on the baby's back to make him burp frequently, while feeding. This may help to reduce the gastric pressure in the stomach, which is the cause for reflux.
• If your doctor allows, you can thicken the liquid food for infants or even start solid food. Any diet modifications or change in feeding timings should be done, according to the advice of your doctor.

It is also believed that mothers who breastfeed, should avoid consumption of caffeine products, chocolates, garlic and other food items which can cause reflux in infants.

Medications

In some infants, lifestyle changes do not make any difference to the symptoms. These infants along with babies experiencing severe symptoms, need medications. Medicines are administered to neutralize or decrease the acid content of the stomach. Generally, antacids, acid blockers and proton-pump inhibitors are prescribed. These medicines block the enzymes, which produce acids in the stomach. Other medications include those intended for improving the co-ordination of the gastrointestinal tract. Some other medications are also suggested for individual problems. Never use any medicines, without consulting the doctor.

Acid reflux is commonly found in infants in the form of spitting up. It is a normal condition, which most children outgrow with age; but, if it is accompanied with serious symptoms or if it is not disappearing after the age of 1 to 1½ years, medical attention is needed.