Reflux in infants is a common condition and usually resolves spontaneously as the baby grows. The continuation of reflux in babies who reach a certain month may indicate an underlying disease.
What is Reflux in Babies?
Reflux is a discomfort that occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus. The organ that allows food to pass from the mouth to the stomach is the esophagus. Where the esophagus connects to the stomach is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter. This muscle opens during the swallowing process, allowing food to pass into the stomach. At other times, it remains contracted, preventing stomach contents from escaping back into the esophagus.
In babies, this muscle cannot fulfill its function for various reasons and the stomach contents come up to the mouth. This is why milk and saliva come into the mouth of the baby shortly after feeding. The answer to the question 'When does reflux go away in babies?' may vary from baby to baby. While reflux is seen most intensely around 4 months, it is expected that reflux will completely improve between 12-18 months. It is rare for babies over 24 months of age to have reflux symptoms and may not go away due to an underlying problem. In such a case, it is beneficial for the family to consult a pediatrician. The occurrence of reflux in infants aged 24 months and over may be due to a cause called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While it is considered normal to have reflux in newborn babies and continue until 18 months, GERD is a disease that can cause more serious symptoms. However, the severity of this condition and its occurrence after meals in infants older than 12 months may indicate GERD. Spitting up is normally painless and does not cause any discomfort to the baby. Severe spitting may cause pain to the baby and may make the baby cry. Pain during feeding is caused by the acidic stomach contents entering the esophagus.
Irritability During Feeding: Babies with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) may experience restlessness during breastfeeding or eating. Reflux-related esophageal damage or abdominal pain may cause this condition. Weight Loss: Behaviors such as malnutrition and excessive vomiting due to reflux or GERD may cause the baby to lose weight or not gain enough weight. they can do the stretching they throw right. This movement may occur due to many different reasons, or it may be due to the burning sensation in the abdomen caused by reflux. The escape of stomach contents into the respiratory tract during coughing may cause respiratory system diseases such as pneumonia. Inappropriate position of the baby during feeding can make this situation worse. This can result in heartburn and a painful burning sensation in the chest. This situation, which is the most common symptom of reflux in children and adults, may not be easy to notice in babies. Sleep may be interrupted due to the feeling of discomfort in the stomach.
What Causes Reflux in Babies?
Although the exact cause of reflux in infants has not been clarified, there are factors that play a role in the development of reflux:
- Incomplete Development of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter: The annular muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter, located in the part of the esophagus where it connects to the stomach, has not fully developed in infants. For this reason, swallowing and the normal opening and closing process are not properly performed by the immature muscle. cannot be realized. This is a fairly common condition in babies and usually does not cause a problem. However, the fact that this condition damages the layer lining the inner surface of the esophagus and causes complications raises the suspicion of the presence of GERD in the baby.
- Diet: The foods included in the diets of babies fed with breast milk or who start to consume additional food may cause reflux. Tomatoes and citrus fruits increase acid formation in the stomach. Chocolate, mint and fatty foods cause the muscle that provides the passage from the esophagus to the stomach to stay open for a longer time. Consuming these foods in the diet increases the risk of reflux in the baby. Excessive feeding of the baby should be prevented, both while breastfeeding and bottle feeding, and instead, it should be fed more frequently and in normal portions.
- Baby's Position: The baby's being in a horizontal position during and after feeding facilitates the reflux of stomach contents, causing reflux. Changes in the baby's position while breastfeeding or eating can help reduce the occurrence of reflux. Reflux in infants usually resolves without the need for treatment. If reflux does not cause serious complications in the baby, reflux symptoms can be alleviated with a few suggestions to be considered during the feeding of the baby. Further examination and treatment may be needed in cases such as deterioration in weight gain, inflammation of the esophagus, refusal to eat, or the development of chronic asthma and reflux in the baby. Surgical methods can be used to correct structural anomalies that cause reflux. Families who notice the presence of complications related to reflux in their babies should consult a doctor.
How Is Reflux in Babies Treated?
To reduce reflux in babies:
- Baby It will be beneficial to feed the cow in an upright position. It is recommended that breastfed babies be breastfed with their head upside down with a slight tilt. The fact that babies sit in a sitting position for about 30 minutes after feeding facilitates the passage of food into the stomach with the effect of gravity and prevents them from escaping back from the stomach.
- When reflux symptoms are seen in babies, a slight reduction in portions is beneficial. In babies who are bottle fed, it is recommended to fill the bottle less than usual and increase the frequency of feeding. In this way, the baby feels more peaceful.
- Laying babies on their backs provides more positive results in terms of reflux. The use of a pillow, called a reflux pillow, which reduces reflux in babies by keeping the baby's head higher during sleep, also helps the baby feel more comfortable. You can ask the expert team of the Hospitals and ask for suggestions regarding your question. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.
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