Symptoms of Acid Reflux In Babies

Did you know babies are prone to acid reflux especially during their first few months? Acid reflux is a medical condition where the gastric juices containing acid experiences back flow and moves from the stomach into the esophagus causing pain and discomfort in the throat and upper chest area.

It has been said that it is common among babies because they are found to be on their backs way more often than adults so as responsible parents, it would be wise for you to know the symptoms of acid reflux in babies.
 
The common signs of acid reflux are actually closely related to normal baby activity. Therefore, it may be pretty hard to know when your infant is suffering. The three main symptoms are spitting up, vomiting and coughing. 

To further identify your child's problem, look out for poor eating habits, weight loss, persistent coughing and general irritability which would  occur due to the pain from the cause and effect of acid reflux. In more severe cases, there would be signs of blood in their stools and then there would be the silent symptoms. 

The silent symptoms of acid reflux in babies can only be noticed if you pay close attention to your baby and monitor their weight and growth rate repetitively. Among the many silent symptoms are sleep disturbances, growth problems, sleep apnea, regurgitation, loss in appetite and trouble swallowing. 

In most cases, acid reflux only last for a few weeks but as frequency and severity increases, it could actually become something serious. You have to keep in mind that acid reflux is unfortunately very common among babies and it isn't something to worry about. But just to be on the safe side, keep in touch with your pediatrician and make visits to your doctor's clinic whenever you feel that something isn't right. 

If your baby does have acid reflux, don't start worrying as it can be cured. There is no dead on medication that can promise immediate cure, but what you can do is to change the lifestyle of your baby. 

Start by changing their diet in terms of food and time intervals. Monitor your baby's eating habits and notice how they eat and swallow.  After each meal, you should not let them lie down or be on their backs for about an hour or so. 

By keeping them in an upright position, you would actually be helping them keep their food down and ease the digestion. In some of the severe cases, then medication may be prescribed.

In conclusion, if you notice that symptoms of acid reflux in babies occur in your child, don't freak out and panic. Keep in mind that it is completely normal and see your doctor if it worries you.