Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease, more popularly abbreviated as GERD, can be de
scribed as the ailment in which the gas or liquid in the stomach of the baby goes up the esophagus. The result is that that baby 'spits up'. It is not unusual for babies to suffer from the problem, mainly because their muscles, which are involved in opening and closing the top of the stomach, are quite relaxed. If, and when, they get relaxed after the consumption of food, the gas and fluid manage to escape from the stomach and go up the esophagus. While having reflux is common, it is only when it becomes severe that it takes the shape of Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease, making the baby spit up too much, not get enough nourishment from food and even suffer from breathing problems.
scribed as the ailment in which the gas or liquid in the stomach of the baby goes up the esophagus. The result is that that baby 'spits up'. It is not unusual for babies to suffer from the problem, mainly because their muscles, which are involved in opening and closing the top of the stomach, are quite relaxed. If, and when, they get relaxed after the consumption of food, the gas and fluid manage to escape from the stomach and go up the esophagus. While having reflux is common, it is only when it becomes severe that it takes the shape of Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease, making the baby spit up too much, not get enough nourishment from food and even suffer from breathing problems.Need For TreatmentIt is common for newborn babies and infants to suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). However, it is only in the following conditions that you need to visit a doctor.
- Baby is spitting up often
- Baby has apnea (breathing stops for 15-20 seconds at a time)
- Baby is growing poorly
- Baby gets pneumonia or breathing difficulties from aspirating spit-up liquid
- Causes Of Gastroesophageal Reflux One of the main reasons of Gastro-esophageal Reflux
Disease in children comprises of a poorly coordinated gastrointestinal tract. The immature digestive system results in unnecessary opening of the stomach, after eating food, as a result of which gas and fluid manage to escape to the esophagus. This leads to reflex in children. It has been seen that majority of the infants grow out of GERD by the time they are one year old.
Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Frequent vomiting
- Persistent cough
- Refusing to eat or difficulty in eating
- Choking or gagging while feeding
- Heartburn
- Gas
- Abdominal pain
- Colic
- Colicky behavior (frequent crying and fussiness)
- Regurgitation
- Re-swallowing
- Poor growth
- Breathing problems
- Recurrent pneumonia
Cure For Gastroesophageal Reflux
For Babies:
- Try to keep the head of the baby's crib or bassinet elevated, as much as you can.
- Every time you feed baby, hold him/her upright for the next 30 minutes
- You can make the bottle feeds a bit thicker by adding some cereal. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before doing this.
- Try to bring some changes in the feeding schedule of the baby.
- You can try giving some solid food to the baby, though with the doctor's approval.
For Older Children
- Try to keep the head of your child's bed elevated, as much as you can
- Instead of giving your baby three large meals in a day, give him/her several small meals spaced at small, but regular intervals.
- Keep a track of the foods and beverages worsen your child's reflux and limit their consumption.
- Encourage your child to indulge in exercise, on a regular basis.
- For at least two hours after your child takes a meal, make sure to keep him/her upright.
