Know the Symptoms of Acid Reflux In Babies

It’s very frustrating to be a parent or caregiver whose baby is upset and crying if you don’t know what is wrong. Your infant does not have any other way to communicate yet, so crying is the main sign of hunger or discomfort. Learning about all the various issues that the average baby or toddler may suffer from can help, however, as the more you know, the more you can help your child to feel better. One subject that many parents and caregivers don’t know much about is how to recognize the symptoms of acid reflux in babies.

Yes, even tiny infants can suffer from acid reflux. In fact, it’s quite common, as the digestive symptom in infants is not yet fully developed. They also have no capacity yet to tell when they are full, nor to communicate this to their caregivers. What this means is that babies cannot always keep the foods and liquids they’ve been fed inside their stomachs. In addition, most infants spend a majority of their time lying down, which, as any adult sufferer of acid reflux will tell you, only aggravates the symptoms of acid reflux. In babies this is no different, so if your child seems to be suffering from acid reflux-related discomfort, try putting him or her in a seat or carrier that allows an upright position for a larger portion of the day.

It is very important to know the symptoms of acid reflux in babies, as failing to deal with them can lead to failure to thrive, due to the baby not getting enough nutrition. Allowing the esophagus to be continually exposed to the stomach acids can also lead to tissue damage or even scarring, and possibly to breathing problems later in life.

But it can be difficult to tell the difference between normal infant vomiting & crankiness and the more serious symptoms of acid reflux in babies. It’s perfectly normal for babies to spit up their food, due to the same immaturity of the digestive system that causes the symptoms of acid reflux in babies in the first place. And since they cannot yet communicate, they are unable to express just why they may be feeling uncomfortable or even in pain. If your infant’s vomiting seems to be occurring after every meal, or if he or she is also having breathing difficulties, you should consider that these might be symptoms of acid reflux, and see your pediatrician.

Treatment of the symptoms of acid reflux in babies may range from simply feeding your baby different foods and adjusting his or her sleeping conditions to prescription medications. Whatever treatment your doctor prescribes, be sure to follow instructions carefully, as symptoms of acid reflux in babies can quickly lead to more serious conditions.