Infants and Acid Reflux
Infant acid reflux is quite common.People of all ages, especially infants because they consume only liquids or soft foods, suffer from mild heartburn or acidic regurgitation on occasion. As in adult cases, infants experience acid reflux when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is relaxed. The LES acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. It opens up to allow food into the stomach and then closes in order to protect the esophagus and other organs from acidic reflux. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine if an infant has developed a chronic form of heartburn called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
In order to determine if an infant has a chronic form ofheartburn (GERD) you should consult your pediatrician. Look forclues such as sleeping problems, coughing, weight loss, lack ofappetite, spitting up frequently, and apnea. Acid reflux diseasecan cause respiratory problems including pneumonia, strictures andulcerations on the esophageal wall, and malnourishment. Infant acidreflux symptoms usually include recurrent coughing, bad breath,spitting up frequently, unusual irritability and crying, chestpain, and sore throat.
There are several causes of acid reflux in infants. Many of thecauses are exacerbated by the fact that infants, much more so thanadults, consume mostly liquids and spend a great deal of time ontheir backs or in a supine position. Combined with the backwashpotential of liquids, lying down puts pressure on the LES(esophagus valve) and increases the chances for reflux. Othercauses could be attributed to the anatomy of a child's stomachposition, poor eating habits, smoking (second hand), beingoverweight, and food allergies.
In addition to GERD, infants can be diagnosed with a functionalversion of acid reflux. This condition can be improved with simplemodifications such as changing eating habits, keeping the childupright after eating, and encouragement. GERD, or the chronicdisease, requires medical treatment by a physician, prescriptiondrug therapy, as well as lifestyle changes.
AcidReflux Info provides comprehensive information on the cause,symptoms, treatment, and diet associated with normal andinfant acid reflux. Acid Reflux Info is the sister site ofPain ReliefWeb.
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