Considered gastroesophageal reflux of common problems at infants during the first months of life, occurs when returns the milk or food from the stomach to the esophagus, causing frequent vomiting or reflux after feeding.
In most cases the matter is normal and disappears with the child's growth, but sometimes it may indicate a problem needs to medical follow-up, understanding the causes of this condition and methods of its treatment helps the parents to deal with it properly and avoid excessive anxiety.
Causes of gastroesophageal reflux in infants
Some causes that lead to gastroesophageal reflux:
- The incomplete growth of the valve separating between the esophagus and the stomach in the first months.
- The small size of the stomach,which makes it fill quickly.
- The child lying on his back most of the time.
- Swallowing air during feeding.
Causes that lead to increased gastroesophageal reflux
Increases gastroesophageal reflux in infants in these cases:
- Excessive amount of milk during feeding.
- Incorrect positions during feeding the child.
- The infant's injury with allergy towards milk protein.
- Pressures on the abdomen like tightening the belt or tight clothes.
Symptoms must pay attention to them at the infant
Must pay attention in the following cases:
- Frequent vomiting after every feeding.
- Difficulty in swallowing or continuous coughing.
- Weak weight gain compared to the normal rate.
- Severe crying during or after feeding.
When is gastroesophageal reflux normal?
In most infants, the reflux is considered a temporary symptom that does not cause harm, especially if the child grows normally and gains weight well and usually the condition improves gradually with the child reaching age 12 - 18 months, where the valve between the stomach and esophagus strengthens and the reflux decreases.
Method of diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux
The infant is diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux as follows:
- Taking the medical history of the symptoms and their frequency.
- The clinical examination to follow up growth and nutrition.
- Sometimes performing rays or additional tests to ensure no complications.
Methods of treating gastroesophageal reflux in infants
The treatment is done in the following way:
- Feeding the child in small quantities and on close intervals.
- Ensuring to make the infant in a semi-upright position during feeding and after it.
- Burping the child well after every feeding to get rid of the air.
- Avoiding tight clothes or pressure on the abdomen.
- In some cases the doctor may prescribe medications to reduce acidity or modify the type of industrial milk if necessary.
How to deal with gastroesophageal reflux in infants
It is advised to follow the following to alleviate the symptoms:
- Raising the head of the bed slightly when the child sleeps.
- Using a pillow designated for infants to maintain the correct position.
- Following up the child's growth periodically with the doctor.
- Continuing breastfeeding as much as possible because it reduces the severity of the symptoms.
When must the doctor be visited?
Must go to the doctor in the following cases:
- Weight loss or growth stoppage.
- Recurrent infections in the respiratory system as a result of milk reflux.
- Appearance of blood in the vomit or stool.
Summary of the article
Gastroesophageal reflux in infants is a common phenomenon related to the incomplete growth of the digestive system and the small size of the stomach, and often disappears gradually with age progression. And although most cases are normal and do not call for worry, except that some signs like weak growth or continuous vomiting may require reviewing the doctor.
The treatment relies basically on modifying the feeding habits and the daily positions of the child, with medical intervention when needed. And the parents' awareness of the nature of this condition helps to deal with it with confidence and reassurance until the child passes this stage safely.