How Babies Can Suffer with
Acid Reflux
Infants and Acid
Reflux
by Seth Miller
Infant acid reflux
is quite common. People of all ages, especially infants
because they consume only liquids or soft foods, suffer
from mild heartburn or acidic regurgitation on occasion.
As in adult cases, infants experience acid reflux when
the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is relaxed. The LES
acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. It
opens up to allow food into the stomach and then closes
in order to protect the esophagus and other organs from
acidic reflux. Unfortunately, it is difficult to
determine if an infant has developed a chronic form of
heartburn called gastroesophageal reflux disease or
GERD.
In order to determine if an infant has a chronic form of
heartburn (GERD) you should consult your pediatrician. Look for
clues such as sleeping problems, coughing, weight loss, lack of
appetite, spitting up frequently, and apnea. Acid reflux
disease can cause respiratory problems including pneumonia,
strictures and ulcerations on the esophageal wall, and
malnourishment. Infant acid reflux symptoms usually include
recurrent coughing, bad breath, spitting up frequently, unusual
irritability and crying, chest pain, and sore throat.
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Infant Indigestion Can Cause Parents
Grief!
What is
Colic?
Indigestion is never a
good experience for anyone. But did you ever
stop to think how excruciating it must be for
an infant?
Infant indigestion, in
its many forms, is painful for everyone
concerned. It’s painful on the child, but it’s
probably more painful for the people around
that child. Millions of mothers will attest to
the fact that they would gladly take on their
baby’s sickness, if it meant relief for their
beloved offspring.
Infant indigestion,
also known as infant colic, is one of the most
misunderstood of conditions. Colic, at one
point or another, has been termed simply as
“crying”, “fussiness”, and yes, indigestion.
There is no single definition for colic; we
just know that the infant is in extreme
discomfort, and that the discomfort is very
much linked to his/her digestive process.
Perhaps the causes of the pain are different
with each child. For the most part, colic
begins when a baby is six weeks old and lasts
until he/she is about three or four months.
Only a minority of colic cases go beyond six
months.
What are the
symptoms?
Colic is characterized
by crying. Lots of it! In fact, the crying is
inconsolable. A mother may exhaust all means to
get the child to calm down, but for one reason
or another, the baby does not stop. It seems to
be in pain.
When a colicky baby
cries, sudden spasmodic abdominal cramping will
occur, and he/she will automatically draw up
his/her knees, clench his/her fists, and turn
red in the face. The baby’s entire body tenses
up, and it is easy to see that the child is in
agony. The crying itself comes in the form of a
high-pitch scream – a definite sign that
something is wrong. As the baby cries, he/she
begins to suck in more air, which builds up gas
in the stomach and makes things
worse.
Infant indigestion
most often strikes during the late afternoon,
and into the evening. A bout can last for
hours, which can be a real strain on the mental
capacity of the child’s caretaker. Most cases
report that the malady strikes at regular time
periods – for example, a child may become
colicky at 5 pm each day, without fail. This
little piece of information should help you
prepare for what may be an emotional
ordeal.
What are the
causes?
Some medical
practitioners believe that colic is a type of
allergic reaction. Most agree that it is at
least partly the result of the child’s dietary
habits. Being overfed or underfed is enough
reason for infant indigestion to strike. The
likewise is true when the baby has been fed too
much fat, sugar, or protein. Bottle-fed babies
also seem to be at a higher risk than breastfed
babies. As with indigestion in adults,
stress may play an important role in infant
indigestion. Parents and caretakers must take
infinite pains to provide an environment that
is free from unnecessary jitters, or
nervousness. In one way or another, the baby
seems to pick up on an atmosphere like this,
and it upsets his/her
stomach.
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There are several causes of acid reflux in infants.
Many of the causes are exacerbated by the fact that infants,
much more so than adults, consume mostly liquids and spend a
great deal of time on their backs or in a supine position.
Combined with the backwash potential of liquids, lying down
puts pressure on the LES (esophagus valve) and increases the
chances for reflux. Other causes could be attributed to the
anatomy of a child’s stomach position, poor eating habits,
smoking (second hand), being overweight, and food allergies.
In addition to GERD, infants can be diagnosed with a functional
version of acid reflux. This condition can be improved with
simple modifications such as changing eating habits, keeping
the child upright after eating, and encouragement. GERD, or the
chronic disease, requires medical treatment by a physician,
prescription drug therapy, as well as lifestyle changes.
About the Author
Acid Reflux Info
provides comprehensive information on the cause, symptoms,
treatment, and diet associated with normal and infant acid
reflux. Acid Reflux Info is the sister site of Pain Relief Web.
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