Sometimes, more than just a gas may be released. Stomach contents are allowed to flow through the esophagus, and then out to the mouth. This is the acid reflux in motion. Parents generally notice spitting, or vomiting. GER happens usually after feeding, when the baby’s stomach is full. Reflux occurs most when babies cry, strain, or cough.
Common among infants, GER is named as spitting up. Babies usually have them on their first three months. It is typical among infants, but not all experienced acid reflux in their babies. Happy spitters as these babies are called. They do not need any invasive treatment for their symptoms are just temporary, and basically disappear around 12 to 18 months old. However, some babies develop a more serious symptom and medical treatment is a must.
Usual signs of acid reflux in babies are: wet burps, bad breath, frequent hiccups, coughing, loss of appetite, irritable especially when fed, incessant crying, poor sleeping habits, vomiting or constant spitting. Few infants also experience some less common signs such as sore throat, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, meager weight gain or weight loss, excessive drooling, sinus or ear infections, respiratory problems like pneumonia, bronchitis, wheezing and asthma, and most terrifying is not-breathing spells.
Reflux diagnosis on infants may be based on the parents’ narration of the symptoms especially if it is seen how healthy the baby is. But more tests may be required if the doctor suspects a serious condition, like GERD. In such cases, diagnostic tests must be done such as lab tests, esophageal pH monitoring, and upper endoscopy.
Laboratory rests include urine and blood tests to distinguish low weight gain and vomiting. The esophageal ph monitoring measures the acid level of the baby’s esophagus. And upper endoscopy is looking inside the baby’s stomach and esophagus by the use of an endoscope, a very narrow tube with camera lens inserted into the baby’s mouth down to the esophagus, then the stomach. The procedure will determine if an inflammation or stricture of the esophagus is present.
Antacids, acid suppressers, or acid blockers may treat acid reflux in babies. Antacids are popular as acid neutralizer, while the acid suppressers restrain acid production, and the acid blockers literally block acid production within the stomach. Prevacid and Prilosec are medications that are both approved to be prescribed to infants. Tums, Mylanta, and Maalox are sample antacids. Meanwhile, some acid suppressers that are of use can be a Pepcid, Tagamet, Axid, and Zantac.
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