About sixty to sixty-five percent of infants will suffer from a condition referred to as acid reflux or gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although acid reflux is really uncomfortable and bothersome for the young child, in many cases, the baby will simply outgrow this condition. Then again, it will surely give the parents a pretty hard time pacifying their distraught babies.
Overview of Acid Reflux and Infants
- Acid reflux is a condition that is marked by the regurgitation or back flow of stomach acids as well as foods into the esophagus, throat and mouth. Many medical experts believe that it occurs because of the undeveloped digestive system of the baby, especially that of the lower esophageal sphincter which acts like a valve that keeps the gastric acids and other stomach contents intact inside the tummy. The usual signs and symptoms of this condition include frequent wet burps, persistent crying, bad breath, coughing, excessive drooling, spitting, vomiting, rapid weight loss and/or poor weight gain, difficulty swallowing and sinus or ear infection. Respiratory problems like wheezing and hoarseness of voice are also considered symptoms.
Treatment Guide for Acid Reflux in Infants
- In mild cases, most pediatricians would suggest simple measures in order to ease the symptoms of this condition. In serious cases, certain medications would be prescribed by the pediatrician. Such medications include acid blockers, antacids and acid suppressors. Then again, most of the time, simple measures may already prove enough to alleviate the discomfort and pain experienced by your baby. One good sample of a natural cure for acid reflux in infants involves modifying their feeding habits. For instance, instead of feeding your baby the traditional three large meals, you will be asked to give the baby smaller but frequent meals all throughout the day. Keeping the child upright for about twenty to thirty minutes or so post feeding and then helping him/her burp can also help.