Overview Of Reflux
When a baby spits up during or after feeding, this is known as reflux. It is a bit different than vomiting, as the baby is not actively vomiting. They are simply spitting up what has been swallowed. It can be something that many parents worry about. However, this is normal and often is just the result of the baby’s oesophagus not being fully developed yet.
Helping a Baby’s Reflux
There are several things you can do to help with a baby’s reflux including:
- Burp throughout the feeding
- Avoid overfeeding
- Check that the hole in the nipple that the baby using is not too big, as too much milk at once can cause this issue
- Hold the baby upright a while after feeding
When to See the Doctor
If the reflux is happening often, the baby becomes violently ill and appears as though they are in pain or you have any other concern, you should talk with your doctor. This is especially true if there are other symptoms such as:
- The baby is irritable or crying consistently
- Coughing, gagging or other trouble swallowing
- Projective vomiting
- Bad breath
- Wheezing
- Having issues with sleeping
- Arching the back after or during a feeding
- Drawing their legs up to their tummy after being fed
- Refusing to feed
- Not gaining weight or losing weight
What the Problem May Be
For babies who are repeatedly spitting up their food after eating, they may have GORD, which is basically a long term reflux. This is when the ring at the bottom of the oesophagus becomes weak, allowing for food to fall into the stomach, but not close completely so that acid is not making its way back up into the lining of the oesophagus. GORD is common in babies who are:
- Born prematurely
- Low birth weight
- Allergic to cow’s milk
- Have a muscle or nerve disorder
As the baby grows, the muscle will become stronger, and that is why most babies grow out of this by the age of 18 months.
Other Reasons for a Crying Baby
- Being too hot or too cold
- Having a wet or dirty diaper
- Being hungry
- Wanting to cuddle
- Being bored
- Too much stimulation
Surgery for Reflux in Kids
Surgery isn’t generally compulsory to manage reflux in kids. When it is needed, the Nissen fundoplication is the most frequent completed surgery. Throughout this process, the top portion of the belly is enfolded around the esophagus creating a cuff that bonds and shuts off the esophagus whenever the belly contracts – thereby avoiding reflux.
The process is generally effective, but there are hazards involved. Chat about the possible dangers and benefits of this process with your child’s physician.
Related Video On Reflux
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3nens1NG8E