Reflux disease, also called gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a digestive disorder that can occur in infants. This infantile reflux disease occurs when stomach contents including acid, back up or reflux into the esophagus—the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach.
Normally, a ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach called lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents reflux of stomach contents. However, in infants, the LES can also normally open to allow gas to pass after meals. Stomach contents may also reflux when the LES is open, resulting in regurgitation, or spitting up, or vomiting. It can also occur when babies cough, cry or strain.
Symptoms
Gastroesophageal reflux is common in infants. Studies have shown that more than half of all infants experience reflux in the first 3 months of life. However, most of them stop spitting up within 2 years. In most cases, the symptoms of GER in babies are mild and do not lead to severe complications. A small number of infants have severe symptoms leading to complications. Infants with reflux disease may experience
spitting up
vomiting
coughing
irritability
poor feeding
blood in the stools
You should seek consultation with a qualified healthcare provider if you notice the following symptoms on your baby:
poor growth due to an inability to hold down enough food
irritability or refusing to feed due to pain
blood loss from acid burning the esophagus
breathing problems
These symptoms can be caused by other health problems other than GER.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the symptoms and age of the infant. In some cases, treatment may not be necessary as the disease often resolves by itself. Changes in feeding habits may also help, such as giving the infant smaller quantities with more frequent feedings.
In some cases, medications may be recommended by the doctor. Rarely, severe cases may require surgery.
Related Topic: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Source: Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants (August 2006). Retrieved on March 2, 2010, from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerdinfant/index.htm
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Normally, a ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach called lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents reflux of stomach contents. However, in infants, the LES can also normally open to allow gas to pass after meals. Stomach contents may also reflux when the LES is open, resulting in regurgitation, or spitting up, or vomiting. It can also occur when babies cough, cry or strain.
Symptoms
Gastroesophageal reflux is common in infants. Studies have shown that more than half of all infants experience reflux in the first 3 months of life. However, most of them stop spitting up within 2 years. In most cases, the symptoms of GER in babies are mild and do not lead to severe complications. A small number of infants have severe symptoms leading to complications. Infants with reflux disease may experience
spitting up
vomiting
coughing
irritability
poor feeding
blood in the stools
You should seek consultation with a qualified healthcare provider if you notice the following symptoms on your baby:
poor growth due to an inability to hold down enough food
irritability or refusing to feed due to pain
blood loss from acid burning the esophagus
breathing problems
These symptoms can be caused by other health problems other than GER.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the symptoms and age of the infant. In some cases, treatment may not be necessary as the disease often resolves by itself. Changes in feeding habits may also help, such as giving the infant smaller quantities with more frequent feedings.
In some cases, medications may be recommended by the doctor. Rarely, severe cases may require surgery.
Related Topic: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Source: Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants (August 2006). Retrieved on March 2, 2010, from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerdinfant/index.htm
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