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Gerd in Infants: What Causes
It?
Infants commonly spit up a little food or liquid after eating
but if your infant is frequently vomiting after a meal your
infant might have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The
symptoms generally include food substances and liquids
traveling up from the stomach, entering the esophagus and
sometimes entering your infant’s mouth and being spit out.
Causes of GERD in Infants
Typically GERD in babies is caused by a gastrointestinal tract
that isn’t functioning properly. However, most of the infants
who have GERD are in good health. Overeating, some food items
and certain berevages are also factors that cause GERD. It can
also be partially caused by hereditary factors.
Symptoms of GERD in Infants
Symptoms of GERD in infants include frequent coughing,
recurring vomiting, heartburn, gas, stomach pain or showing
signs of colic such as persistent crying or fussy behavior.
They will often regurgitate their food and then proceed to
swallow it. You might notice them gagging or having some
problems breathing. Some experts believe that a poor growth
rate is a sign of GERD in infants as well as recurring bouts of
pneumonia.
Diagnosing GERD
Usually information provided by the parents is sufficient for a
pediatrician to realize the baby has GERD. In some cases tests
need to be completed in able to come up with the correct
diagnosis. Tests for GERD in infants include an upper GI
series, a ph probe, an upper GI endoscopy and what is referred
to as a gastric emptying study.
Treatments for GERD
Doctors usually recommend that the first things parents should
do is make some lifestyle changes for their infant. Parents can
try elevating the portion of the crib where their baby’s head
is placed. Parents should hold the infant upright for
approximately thirty minutes after the baby has been fed. Check
with your doctor to learn if feeding your infant solid foods
might be an appropriate and safe procedure for preventing GERD
symptoms in your baby. If these easy changes in lifestyle don’t
eliminate or reduce GERD in your infant your doctor might
recommend medication.
Antacids reduce acid in the stomach and antacid products which
are considered safe for children are Mylanta and Maalox. Your
doctor might recommend acid blockers such as Pepcid, Zantac or
Tagamet. Proton pump inhibitors decrease the amount of acid
that is produced in a baby’s stomach. High dosages of antacids,
acid blockers and proton pump inhibitors can produce harmful
side effects for babies. Using these products for too long of a
time period can also produce harmful side effects. Serious side
effects from using these types of medications are rare but make
sure you check with your pediatrician before give your infant
any of these medications. Discuss with your doctor the various
treatments that are available for treating GERD in
infants.
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