Know about Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease in
newborns, handling GERD in babies and symptoms and cure for
Gastroesophageal Reflux.
Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) In Newborns
Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease, more popularly
abbreviated as GERD, can be described as the ailment in which the gas or
liquid in the stomach of the baby goes up the esophagus. The result is
that that baby 'spits up'. It is not unusual for babies to suffer from
the problem, mainly because their muscles, which are involved in opening
and closing the top of the stomach, are quite relaxed. If, and when,
they get relaxed after the consumption of food, the gas and fluid manage
to escape from the stomach and go up the esophagus. While having reflux
is common, it is only when it becomes severe that it takes the shape of
Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease, making the baby spit up too much, not
get enough nourishment from food and even suffer from breathing
problems.
Need For Treatment
It is common for newborn babies and infants to suffer from
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). However, it is only in the
following conditions that you need to visit a doctor.
- Baby is spitting up often
- Baby has apnea (breathing stops for 15-20 seconds at a time)
- Baby is growing poorly
- Baby gets pneumonia or breathing difficulties from aspirating
spit-up liquid
Causes Of Gastroesophageal Reflux
One of the main reasons of Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease in children
comprises of a poorly coordinated gastrointestinal tract. The immature
digestive system results in unnecessary opening of the stomach, after
eating food, as a result of which gas and fluid manage to escape to the
esophagus. This leads to reflex in children. It has been seen that
majority of the infants grow out of GERD by the time they are one year
old.
Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Frequent vomiting
- Persistent cough
- Refusing to eat or difficulty in eating
- Choking or gagging while feeding
- Heartburn
- Gas
- Abdominal pain
- Colic
- Colicky behavior (frequent crying and fussiness)
- Regurgitation
- Re-swallowing
- Poor growth
- Breathing problems
- Recurrent pneumonia
Cure For Gastroesophageal Reflux
For Babies
- Try to keep the head of the baby's crib or bassinet elevated, as
much as you can.
- Every time you feed baby, hold him/her upright for the next 30
minutes
- You can make the bottle feeds a bit thicker by adding some
cereal. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before doing
this.
- Try to bring some changes in the feeding schedule of the baby.
- You can try giving some solid food to the baby, though with the
doctor's approval.
For Older Children
- Try to keep the head of your child's bed elevated, as much as you
can
- Instead of giving your baby three large meals in a day, give
him/her several small meals spaced at small, but regular intervals.
- Keep a track of the foods and beverages worsen your child's
reflux and limit their consumption.
- Encourage your child to indulge in exercise, on a regular basis.
- For at least two hours after your child takes a meal, make sure
to keep him/her upright.
