Acid Reflux in Babies - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Remedies

Here, you will briefly learn about acid reflux in babies.

Although it is quite common for infants to spit up a little after eating, frequent vomiting might be a sign of acid reflux, or gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Acid reflux in infants or babies is fairly prevalent and rarely too serious, if ignored, can cause much discomfort and even future health problems. This is especially true in cases where babies are unable to hold down their milk and/or foods, leading to instances of dehydration and malnourishment.

Luckily, there are natural ways of treating acid reflux in babies without having to rely on medications that contain chemicals.

Causes

For the most part, acid reflux in babies is caused by a gastrointestinal system that is inadequately developed.

While some babies with acid relux problems are otherwise healthy on the overall, but other infant sufferers of GERD actually have underlying problems of their muscles, nerves, or brain.

There are some factors (similar to that in adults), such as certain foods, medications, beverages, and overeating, that can also lead to baby acid reflux, too, along with the fact that it is more prevalent in some families.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of acid reflux in babies may be somewhat similar, but not exactly the same as symptoms of acid reflux in older children and adults.

Acid reflux symptoms in babies may appear as frequent vomiting, abdominal pain, gas, fussiness, regurgitation, feeding problems, breathing problems, and recurrent wheezing. The symptoms of gas and acid reflux can also e similar, but with gas, a baby shouldn't be regurgitating or vomiting.

Tips for Relief, Remedies and Treatment

Changing the baby's diet is usually the first place to start when it comes to treating acid reflux in babies the natural way.

If the baby has intolerance to the formula that you are using, then switching formulas might be helpful. It can be beneficial to speak to your health care practitioner about this. Some babies do better on soy milk, for instance. However, when switching formulas, it must be done gradually so that their digestive system has a chance to get used to the new formula.

If the baby doesn't have an allergy to its current formula, or if you are breastfeeding, then giving the baby more frequent feedings throughout the day in smaller portions might be helpful.

If you are breastfeeding, keeping to a milder diet (for yourself) for a while may help, as your milk is likely to be less acidic and will likely not affect your baby's stomach as much.

When using formula milk, you can also try thickening the formula with rice cereal. This will keep the liquid from moving up into the esophagus once it has reached the stomach.

Remember to hold your baby upright (or at least at an angle) when feeding instead of keeping it flat on its back, as that will help promote acid reflux.

Burping the baby several times during a feeding can help ensure that gas does not get trapped in its stomach, triggering acid reflux when the stomach contents rises with the gas.

Most of the time, babies with acid reflux grow out of the condition. By using natural methods to treat the baby, such as re-formulating the way that you feed it, acid reflux disease symptoms can be alleviated.

However, if you find that the above tips are not helpful, you should speak to your baby's pediatrician. Although acid reflux in babies is usually not serious, complications can arise if the baby isn't getting the nutrients and fluid it needs.

You could also consult a qualified natural health practitioner, like a homeopathic practitioner or traditional chinese medicine practitioner, if you prefer more natural and holistic help for your baby.

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