Christine B.

Contrary to popular belief, acid reflux is not just a problem adults have to cope with. Infant acid reflux is more common and most parents and caregivers are aware of! In fact, infants are more vulnerable to it because they consume mostly liquid and soft foods.

In adults as well as infants acid reflux takes place when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is relaxed and the acidic stomach contents move upwards towards the throat. The esophageal sphincter is like a valve that keeps the food from moving upwards out of the stomach.

Normally, when working properly, the LES is closed when you are not eating to protect the esophagus (the passageway through which the food travels from the mouth to the stomach) and throat area from the acid present in your stomach. Unfortunately, sometimes are bodies do not work as perfectly as we would like them to and the LES relaxes, allowing for acid reflux to take place.

This happens to everyone on occasion, but it becomes a serious issue if an infant develops so-called chronic heartburn, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. It is hard to determine if the child is suffering from this condition, but some clues might give it away: sleeping problems, weight loss, coughing, lack of appetite, apnea, and spitting up frequently can be signs of chronic heartburn in small infant.

Acid reflux disease is not harmless; it has the potential to cause respiratory problems such as pneumonia, or strictures and ulcerations on the esophageal wall. Infant acid reflux symptoms usually include continuous coughing, bad breath, unusual irritability, spitting up frequently, chest pain, crying, and sore throat.

Acid reflux in infants can be attributed to several causes. Many of the causes summarized by the fact that infants consume mostly liquids and spend a great deal of time on their backs or in a supine position. The potential for liquids to backwash as well as the pressure on the LES while lying down which increased the chances of reflux. Other causes could be poor eating habits, being subjected to second hand smoke, obesity and certain food allergies.

Infants can also be diagnosed to with a functional version of acid reflux, in addition to the GERD diagnosis. This is a condition that can easily be improved by making simple lifestyle changes: changing eating habits and not lying the child down after eating. GERD is a serious chronic disease which requires immediate medical treatment, in some cases there is a need for prescription drugs and in all cases the condition can be alleviated by making some changes in the child’s lifestyle.