Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common condition in infants, where they spit up or regurgitate milk after feeding.

This happens because the muscle at the bottom of the baby’s esophagus, which normally keeps food in the stomach, is not fully developed yet. GER usually improves as the baby grows, but in some cases, it can cause discomfort and other complications. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of gastroesophageal reflux in infants.

Causes of gastroesophageal reflux in infants

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) happens when the contents of the baby’s stomach flow back into their esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. This can happen due to several reasons:.

• Immature digestive system: The muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, which is responsible for keeping food in the stomach, may not be fully developed yet.
• Overfeeding: Feeding the baby too much or too fast can lead to GER as the stomach gets too full and the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus opens up.
• Food intolerance: Some infants may have an intolerance to certain foods, such as cow’s milk, which can lead to GER.
• Delayed stomach emptying: In some cases, the baby’s stomach empties slowly, causing the contents to flow back into the esophagus.

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in infants

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is usually harmless and improves on its own as the baby grows, but in some cases, it can cause discomfort and other complications. The symptoms of GER in infants include:.

• Spitting up or regurgitation of food, especially after feeding or when lying down.
• Frequent hiccups and burping.
• Coughing, wheezing, or gagging after feeding.
• Fussy or irritable after feeding.
• Arching the back during or after feeding.
• Refusal to eat or difficulty in feeding.

If the baby has severe reflux, they may also experience the following symptoms:.

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• Poor weight gain or weight loss.
• Recurrent vomiting or projectile vomiting.
• Breathing problems, such as apnea or cyanosis.
• Difficulty in swallowing or choking.

Treatments for gastroesophageal reflux in infants

Treatment for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants depends on the severity of the symptoms. In most cases, GER improves on its own as the baby grows, and no treatment is needed.

However, if the symptoms are severe or affecting the baby’s health and growth, the doctor may recommend the following:.

• Feeding changes: The doctor may recommend smaller, frequent feedings, burping the baby more often, or thickening the feedings with rice cereal. They may also suggest avoiding certain foods that may trigger GER, such as cow’s milk.
• Medications: The doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the acid in the baby’s stomach or increase the function of the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus.
• Surgery: In rare cases, the doctor may recommend surgery to tighten the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus or fix other problems that are causing GER.

Prevention of gastroesophageal reflux in infants

While gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infants and usually harmless, there are a few steps parents can take to reduce the risk of GER:.

• Feed the baby in an upright position.
• Hold the baby upright for at least 30 minutes after feeding.
• Feed the baby slowly and avoid overfeeding.
• Avoid feeding the baby when they are lying down.
• Avoid tight clothing or diapers that put pressure on the baby’s stomach.

When to see a doctor

If the baby is spitting up frequently or showing other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), parents should consult a doctor. The doctor may examine the baby and recommend tests to rule out other conditions.

In some cases, the doctor may refer the baby to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.