Gastroesophageal Reflux

Hours of walking every night… your baby screaming endlessly for no apparent reason. Your pediatrician says your baby has colic – but you know something must be wrong for your baby to be so unhappy. Sound familiar? Your baby might be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The wonderful news is, this can be treated and your baby can find relief.

What is Reflux?

Your baby may have a weak sphincter (“gate”), which is the muscle that keeps his
or her esophagus closed.  If it has not matured enough in the womb, milk
from your baby’s stomach will literally seep into the esophagus.  The
causes pain and burning, often described as heartburn.  No wonder your
little one is crying!

If your baby has any of these symptoms, he or she may have reflux:

• Hiccups

• Crying

• Hungry, but Stops Eating Minutes after Starting

• Screaming

• Turns Away from Breast or Bottle

• Difficulty Swallowing

• Spitting Up Often

• Arching the Back

• Irritable

• Straightening Legs While Crying

• Asthma

• Wheezing

• Coughing

• Difficulty Sleeping

• Choking

If you suspect your baby has reflux, make an appointment with your
pediatrician to discuss the matter further.  He or she may prescribe an
Upper GI for your baby.  For this test, your baby will be given barium in a
bottle, which is a chalky substance that displays as  white on an x-ray. 

As your baby is drinking, pictures will be taken with an x-ray.  If your
baby is refluxing, the barium will be seen moving into the esophagus.

Your reflux baby will most likely be prescribed one or two medications to
stop the reflux and ease the burning sensations.  Many babies outgrow
reflux when they begin sitting and their stomach muscles strengthen.

• Elevate the head of your baby’s mattress by placing a towel under the
  mattress.

• Keep your baby in an upright position for at least half an hour after he
  or she eats.

• Only if your physician approves the use of Mylanta, your baby may find
  relief with a few drops after eating.

• If you are nursing, do not eat acidic foods such as citrus or 
  tomato sauces, and avoid greasy foods.  You should also avoid high
  amounts of dairy products.

• Purchase a baby carrier approved for your infant’s weight that keeps
  your infant in a tilted to somewhat upright position.

• If your baby is still uncomfortable, ask your pediatrician to refer you
  to a pediatric GI specialist.

• If your baby’s medicine seems to suddenly stop working, take him or her
  to the doctor to be weighed and evaluated for a higher dose.

• Rub your little one’s stomach in a clockwise direction.

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