Dr Olson Huff and his team of experts provide you with up to date information about your child’s health. In our health section you can find tips on common childhood ailments such as diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Find out how to prepare your child for visits to the doctor or dentist and hints on how to care for your sick child or baby.
Reflux
Reflux is when the stomach contents back up though the esophagus.
Babies burp. They swallow air when they nurse and then burp some of it back. But there are times when spitting up becomes too much and a condition known as "gastro esophageal reflux disorder" or GERD develops.
What is it?
Reflux is the backward flow of stomach contents up the esophagus and sometimes out the mouth.Babies burp. They swallow air when they nurse and then burp some of it back. But there are times when spitting up becomes too much and a condition known as "gastro esophageal reflux disorder" or GERD develops.
What are the causes?
GERD occurs when the muscles controlling the connection of the esophagus to the stomach are not tight enough. When the stomach contracts, its contents do not entirely go on through the small intestine; instead some of them go back into the mouth by way of the esophagus.Possible Symptoms
- Spitting up large amounts of food or milk ingested shortly after eating.
- Persistent spitting up after 2-3 months of age.
- Poor weight gain.
- Seeming to be always hungry.
- Crying as if in pain after burping.
- Persistent cough, wheeze or breathing difficulties.
Should I see a Doctor?
If any of the above symptoms are noted, especially if weight gain is poor, cough or wheeze occurs and persistent crying is noted, call your doctor.What is the treatment?
For uncomplicated spitting up, elevating the baby's head when placed in the crib (remember to always place your baby to sleep on her back) may help. You can elevate the baby's head by placing some sturdy blocks under two of the crib legs. Offering thickened feedings of milk or cereal may also help. Otherwise, the doctor may prescribe certain medicines and in obstinate cases, surgery may be necessary.What can I do?
All babies spit or burp and it is usually normal. However, sometimes too much of a good thing is not really too good after all. If you have a baby who spits up too much, ask the doctor to help. And keep a burp cloth handy!Related Tips
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