Infant reflux

Overview

Infant reflux is a common condition that occurs when a baby's stomach contents move back up from the stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Reflux happens in healthy infants many times a day, and as long as the baby is healthy, content, and growing well, it is not a cause for concern. However, in some cases, reflux can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention.

Types of Infant reflux

1. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER): This is the most common type of infant reflux and occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus.
2. Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS): This is a condition that causes the pyloric sphincter to narrow and block food from entering the small intestine.
3. Reflux-like symptoms: Some babies may experience reflux-like symptoms due to other conditions such as laryngitis or bronchiolitis.

Causes of Infant reflux

• Immaturity of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES): The LES is a muscle that separates the esophagus and stomach.
• Poor muscle tone: Weak muscle tone in the abdominal wall can contribute to reflux.
• Overfeeding: Feeding a baby too much or too frequently can put pressure on the LES and cause it to relax.
• Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can increase the risk of reflux.

Risk Factors of Infant reflux

• Premature birth: Babies born prematurely are at higher risk of developing reflux.
• Family history: Babies with a family history of GERD or other gastrointestinal conditions may be at higher risk of developing reflux.
• C-section birth: Babies born via cesarean section may be at higher risk of developing reflux due to differences in gut motility.

Symptoms of Infant reflux

Preventions of Infant reflux

Prevention of infant reflux is focused on promoting healthy eating habits and reducing pressure on the LES. Here are some tips:

• Burp your baby frequently: Burping your baby after feedings can help reduce pressure on the LES.
• Avoid overfeeding: Avoid overfeeding your baby to reduce pressure on the LES.
• Keep your baby upright: Keeping your baby upright after feedings can help reduce pressure on the LES.

Diagnosis of Infant reflux

A diagnosis of infant reflux is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests such as:

• Physical examination: A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to check for signs of reflux such as spitting up or vomiting.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound or X-rays may be used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment for Infant reflux

Treatment options for infant reflux depend on the severity and cause of the condition. Here are some common treatment options:

1. Thickening agents: Thickening agents can be added to breast milk or formula to reduce spit-up.
2. Elevation: Elevating the head of the crib or bassinet can help reduce pressure on the LES.
3. Positioning: Positioning your baby upright after feedings can help reduce pressure on the LES.
4. Medications: Medications such as antacids or acid reducers may be prescribed to reduce acid production in the stomach.

When to seek medical attention ?