Acid reflux in infants

Acid reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) is a medical term doctors use) is a condition where food and/or stomach acids reflux up into the esophagus (throat/upper chest).In infants mild cases of acud reflux present themselves as common garden spitting up and/or vomiting. Acid reflux in infants often occurs shortly after eating or when babies cough, cry, or strain.

Acid reflux occurs in infants in more than half of all infants aged up to three months. Most babies don't require medical treatment at all. However, for a relatively small number of babies the symptoms of acid reflux are more severe, and medical evaluation and treatment is needed.

Doctors believe that acid reflux in infants is caused by a poorly coordinated gastrointestinal tract. Most infants diagnosed with the acid reflux are otherwise healthy. The most common symptoms of acid reflux in babies ( sometimes referred to as GERD - gastroesophageal reflux disease) are

• Frequent or recurrent vomiting

• Frequent or persistent cough

• Heartburn, gas, abdominal pain, or colicky behavior (frequent crying and fussiness)

• Regurgitation and re-swallowing

Most infants simply outgrow infantile acid reflux or GERD as they gain more control over their digestion system. However, acid reflux does occur in older children and adults. But don't worry, the problem usually can be managed easily and safely.