Acid Reflux in Infants and Children
Infant Reflux is more than spitting up
Almost every baby spits up. Usually, it is nothing to be concerned or worried about. But when the spitting up combines with poor sleeping, frequent stretching or arching of the back or neck, too much fussiness, food refusal, slow weight gain, failure to thrive, or constant sinus and/or ear infections, it may be reflux. Because the diagnosis of reflux is often more complicated in children than in adults, only your pediatrician can assess the situation and determine what is best for your child.
The lower esophageal sphincter, the one way valve that protects against reflux, is not fully developed in many babies. Usually, however, the valve begins to function well by 18 months and the problems associated with reflux will lessen or cease. While waiting for that to happen, your pediatrician can make recommendations for life style changes or prescribe medication that will help.
Life style changes for infants with acid reflux include:
- Small, frequent meals,
- Holding the baby upright during feeding and for approximately one half hour after feeding,
- Thickening formula with rice cereal, and
- Modifying the child's sleeping position by elevating the head of the crib or bed .
This is easy to do with a wedge pillow. For an infant too young to be placed on a pillow, simply put the pillow on top of the mattress and under the sheet, or under the mattress. Gravity will prevent the contents of the stomach from refluxing back into the esophagus. Treating reflux in older children follows the same recommendations as for adults:
- Modify diet to eliminate acid producing foods such as citrus, tomato products, chocolate, carbonated beverages, and very spicy foods. Every food does not trigger reflux in everyone; so try eliminating all and slowing adding them back one at a time.
- Have the child avoid lying down for at least an hour after eating.
- Use a wedge pillow to elevate through the torso during sleep so as to use gravity to keep acid down.
Your child may need medication. It is always best to check with your child's doctor before making any changes.
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