by Arianna Larson

Created on: January 14, 2010

When the contents of the stomach go back into the esophagus and throat or mouth, it is commonly called acid reflux.  Doctors call this type of affliction Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER); however, when there are some other issues arising from GED, it is then called GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

While Acid reflux (GER) is a common problem in infants, and actually most babies experience it (most likely due to a gastrointestinal tract that is poorly coordinated), GERD is little bit different story.

Some of the complications of GERD are ulcers and inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), which can be painful and could bleed, causing anemia; asthma and pneumonia, if the acid fluids flow over the windpipe; esophageal narrowing; Barrett’s esophagus, a condition in which the cells in the lining of the lower esophagus change in color and composition, increasing the risk of developing esophageal cancer; and in cases where the infant tends to vomit too often, not gaining weight and abnormal growth.  Some people also believe that the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) could also be a complication as well.

Infant acid reflux can be diagnosed by your doctor generally just by doing a physical examination and asking a few questions about the baby feeding history and the symptoms that he or she is experiencing.  Even though not all children have the exact same symptoms, these may include: spitting up or frequent vomiting, refusal to eat, fussiness or irritability before or after meals, arching the back when being fed, gagging, sudden or constant crying, bad breath, hiccups, frequent cough, belching or “wet” burps, waking up at night frequently, frequent colds, ear or sinus infections, frequent sore throats in the morning, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, rattling chest and respiratory problems like wheezing and asthma, poor weight gain or weight loss.

Besides the physical examination and history, there are some procedures that may be done for the diagnosis:

-    Lab test: both blood and urine to eliminate other possible causes for the lack or loss of weight and the vomiting.

-    Upper GI Series: a series of x-rays that examines the upper part of the digestive system; esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first section of the small intestine) are taken after a white and chalky liquid (barium) is given to the child.

-    Esophageal pH testing or monitoring: the acidity of the baby’s esophagus is measured through a tube that is inserted into the esophagus through his/her mouth or nose.

-    Upper endoscopy:  a look at the infant throat and stomach, using a flexible tube with a camera and light. Some samples of the tissue can also be taken with this procedure.

-    Chest x-rays: to determine is aspiration has happened or if there is pneumonia.

-    Gastric emptying studies: a nuclear medicine isotope is used to scan the area around the esophagus and stomach.

Once the doctor has determine the severity of your baby’s acid reflux, he or she will determine a treatment if necessary. In most cases, infant acid reflux is outgrown or resolves on its own.

Basic changes to the feeding technique or his or her lifestyle like holding the baby upright for about 25 to 30 minutes and up to a couple of hours (for older children) after a feeding or to elevate his or her head in the crib or bassinet will help reduce the acid reflux symptoms.

If the case is more severe, the doctor could prescribe medication, special supplements, tube feedings, or even surgery could be suggested.

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