During Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) the acids from the stomach flow back into the esophagus, causing pain, commonly known as heart burn. Acid reflux is common in infants below the age of three months. This condition in small babies is known as spitting up. However the symptoms generally go away as the infant grows older and completely disappears in between the age of 12 to 18 months. So if your baby is around that age and still having the symptoms of acid reflux, or if the symptoms are severe and bothering your baby it is a matter of concern.
If you doubt your baby is having a problem of acid reflux observes the following symptoms:
1. Excessive spitting up or vomiting
It is quite common for small babies to spit up during the first three months of their lives. If the spitting up is very frequent and severe or the baby is vomiting along with spitting up, it indicates a problem.
2. Irritation or dullness while feeding
If your baby gets irritated while feeding, it may be due to the burning sensation and pain in the esophagus due to the acid reflux.
3. Baby eating too less or refuses to eat at all
If the baby is not eating properly this may be because of the pain that he is suffering from the acid in esophagus.
4. Colic symptoms
Due to the acid reflux the baby will feel severe pain which may give rise to symptoms typical of colic pain.
5. Arching the back and neck while feeding
If the baby is getting pain due to acid in the esophagus, they will bend their backs and necks.
6. "Wet" burps
If a baby is suffering from GERD, some liquid may come out when he burps.
7. Hiccups
During reflux the nerves along the upper part of the stomach and the lower part of the esophagus is stimulated irritating the vagus nerve and cause frequent hiccups in the infants.
8. Coughing
Because of reflux, the airways of the baby and the throat may get irritated. As a result the baby may start coughing.
9. Disturbed sleep pattern
Due to reflux the baby may start coughing when sleeping causing him/her to wake up from sleep.
10. Trouble in swallowing
Due to the reflux of the acid into the esophagus an obstruction may be formed in the esophagus. As a result the baby experience difficulty in swallowing.
11. Sore throat
When stomach contents flow back up to the throat, the baby's throat gets irritated leading to sore throat.
12. Respiratory problems (such as asthma, pneumonia)
During reflux, in some cases, the acid may get into the lungs. This makes breathing difficult causing asthma, pneumonia or bronchitis.
13. Croaky voice
As a result of reflux the stomach content comes up to the throat causing irritation of the throat and the voice of the baby may turn hoarse.
Apart from all those mentioned above, sinus infections or congestion, ear infections, bad breath, anemia, drooling from the corners of the mouth, unexplained weight loss etc. also may be suggestive of acid reflux in infants.
Khairun Nadzar is the publisher of Acid Reflux Disease, For better understanding of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) browse through http://theacidrefluxdisease.net/ today.
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