Many parents experience great anxiety during the first few months of their baby’s life. At some point, they might notice their baby spitting up or refluxing. This is normal, and in most cases, this resolves on its own.
However, some babies experience “gastroesophageal reflux,” or “GER,” which can cause more severe symptoms. Here, we will discuss what GER is, its causes, and how it can be managed.
What is GER?
GER is a condition where the muscle at the bottom of a baby’s esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), is immature and does not close properly, allowing the stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus.
The stomach acid irritates the esophagus lining, causing discomfort to the baby. GER is a common occurrence in infants, and many babies outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
Symptoms of GER
Most babies with GER are not bothered by their symptoms, but others may show various signs, including:.
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- Excessive spitting up or vomiting
- Coughing or gagging during feedings
- Breathing difficulties, including wheezing and frequent pneumonia
- Arching of the back while feeding or following a meal
- Excessive crying or irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Refusal to eat
- Failure to gain weight or slow weight gain
Causes of GER
There are several causes of GER, including:.
- A weak or immature LES
- Babies are lying down most of the time, which makes it easier for stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus
- A hiatal hernia, which is a congenital defect where the stomach bulges up into the chest above the diaphragm
- Dairy or other food intolerances or allergies
- Overfeeding, which can result in an increase in pressure in the stomach
Managing GER
There are several ways to manage GER, including:.
- Feeding changes: Smaller, more frequent feedings can help reduce the amount of stomach content in the baby’s stomach, and avoiding overfeeding can also help.
- Position changes: Keeping babies upright for about 30 minutes after each feeding can help reduce symptoms. A baby should never be placed to sleep on their stomach which can be dangerous.
- Medications: Antacids or acid inhibitors may be prescribed by a pediatrician to help neutralize or decrease the amount of stomach acid present, to ease discomfort.
- Thickened feeds: Adding rice cereal to the formula or breast milk can help thicken it and reduce reflux symptoms.
- Surgery: If medical therapy fails and the baby is not growing or gaining weight, surgery to reinforce the LES can be considered in rare cases.
When to See a Doctor
Parents should seek medical attention if their baby:.
- Is having difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Becomes extremely fussy or irritable following a feeding
- Experiences projectile vomiting or forceful spitting up
- Show signs of dehydration
GER is a very common condition in infants that, in most cases, will resolve on its own. However, if symptoms persist or appear to be affecting the baby’s growth and overall health, parents should seek medical attention immediately.
Understanding the symptoms, causes, and management of GER can help parents take care of their infant and reduce unnecessary anxiety.
