What Helps With Infant Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, in an infant can be particularly troublesome. If your baby is having trouble with GERD, know that there are few things you can do at home to help ease her discomfort.
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What Happens
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Acid reflux occurs when the valve connecting the stomach to the esophagus is weak and allows the contents to come back up.
Symptoms
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If your baby spits up, vomits, cries, gags, chokes, or is fussy after eating, she may have GERD. GERD can cause respiratory problems, hiccuping, wheezing, coughing, and sleep apnea.
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Prevention
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If your baby has acid reflux, burp her often during and after feeding. Keep her upright for half an hour after feeding. Breastfeeding exclusively tends to reduce the chances of reflux. You can also raise the head of her crib and try to soothe her if she's crying as crying causes her to swallow air.
Treatment
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See your doctor to discuss medical solutions. He may suggest you switch to a hypoallergenic formula if your baby is bottle fed. He may prescribe medication. In very severe cases, your doctor may suggest surgery or a feeding tube placed through the nose.
Warnings
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Do not give your baby over-the-counter medication for acid reflux unless your doctor gives you instructions to do so. Do not place your baby on his stomach to sleep as it has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome and can make acid reflux symptoms worse.
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References
- The Complete and Authoritative Guide Caring for Your Baby and Young Child Birth to Age Five; Steven P. Shelov, M.D., M.S.; 2005
- Your Baby's First Year Week by Week; Glad B. Curtis, M.D., M.P.H. and Judith Schuler, M.S.; 2005
