Signs & Symptoms of Reflux in Infants

Gastroesophageal reflux, also called reflux or GERD, is a condition similar to heartburn or GERD in adults. It is most commonly seen in babies up to 4 months old, and is almost always cleared up by baby's first birthday. Some symptoms of reflux are easy to spot, but others are easy to overlook. If you suspect your baby is suffering from reflux, talk to your pediatrician about it. There is help for babies with severe reflux.

Spitting Up and Vomiting

Spitting up is relatively normal in newborns when it happens occasionally. When it progresses to vomiting or when baby spits up frequently, it could be a sign of reflux. When the baby fails to put on weight or loses weight, your pediatrician should be consulted for medical intervention.

Hiccups

Hiccups can represent more than a spasm of the diaphragm. When stomach acid enters the esophagus, it can irritate a nerve ending in the upper part of the stomach. The response is frequent, guttural sounding hiccups.

Gagging

Gagging can occur during mealtime or when your baby is asleep. Nothing is more terrifying than waking up to the sound of your newborn choking. Try to reduce the gag reflex by avoiding foods like tomato, chocolate and carbonated beverages. And don't put your baby to bed right after eating.

Loss of Appetite

Babies can lose interest in food when they have persistent heartburn. To avoid the discomfort, they may refuse to eat or only eat very small portions.

Difficulty Sleeping

When a baby is experiencing heartburn, nausea and other symptoms, she may have trouble sleeping. Lying flat can cause stomach acid to enter the esophagus. Consider putting baby to sleep in a reclined, but not flat, position to keep stomach acid down. Elevating the head end of the baby's mattress, letting her sleep in her car seat, or safely strapping her into her bouncy seat or swing may ease her upset stomach while she sleeps.

Posture

If your baby arches his back frequently, especially during meals, he may be trying to relieve stomach discomfort caused by reflux.

Scratchy Voice

If your baby has a hoarse voice, it may be an indication she has a buildup of stomach acid in her throat.

References

• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
• Infant Reflux Disease