Contents
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in babies
Le gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD concerns more than 30% of newborns. GERD is also the second leading cause of pediatrician visits. The pathology is frequent in infants and generally disappears at the age of walking. Only severe regurgitation can cause growth retardation and more severe pathologies, such as esophagitis.
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants?
GERD is an impairment of the lower esophageal sphincter. This sphincter opens to let food pass from the esophagus to the stomach and closes to prevent rising. In the case of GERD, the sphincter no longer plays its role. It doesn’t close anymore. Food, which is no longer blocked in the stomach, goes back to the mouth to be ejected in the form of jets.
This pathology is linked to the still immature digestive system of babies. Rest assured, GERD is often not serious in babies under two months old. If the baby is gaining weight and developing normally, there is no cause for concern. On the other hand, if the regurgitation become severe, a consultation with the doctor is necessary.
What are the signs and symptoms of GERD in babies?
Le gastroesophageal reflux simple is manifested by benign regurgitation of low volume after meals. It begins before the age of 3 months. Do not confuse vomiting and regurgitation. When baby vomits, his abdominal muscles contract. It forces to evacuate half-digested food. Regurgitations, they occur effortlessly, in the form of a jet. Baby does not refuse to feed. Weight growth is normal. More severe symptoms may appear, signaling a more complicated GERD. If baby regurgitates at any time of the day and night, away from meals, frequently, if he cries a lot after meals and even in the middle of the night and if blood accompanies the jet, then a consultation with the pediatrician is necessary. Severe GERD can cause tonsillitis, ear infections, discomfort, growth retardation, esophagitis …
How to treat and relieve gastric reflux (GERD) in babies?
To relieve the gastroesophageal reflux low intensity, thickened milk and a few basic rules are enough to relieve baby. On the side of the bed, make sure to lay baby on his back, possibly on an inclined plane of 30 to 40 degrees. During meals, choose a teat with an appropriate flow rate and which limits the air swallowed. During feedings, baby will be put in a more upright position, with his head higher than the trunk, ideally in a high chair as soon as he is old enough to sit with support. Care should be taken not to over-tighten the diapers, and the baby’s abdomen should not be compressed. Passive smoking should also be avoided. Baby will have to take his meals in peace. The pediatrician may guide you on the choice of thickened milk, with the addition of carob flour or rice starch. It is also possible to thicken the milk with baby cereals. note that food diversification, due to less liquid meals, tends to decrease GERD.
If you RGO is more severe, the doctor will prescribe suitable medicines such as gastric dressings and / or anti-secretories to neutralize gastric acidity and / or stomach dressings.
4 questions about gastroesophageal reflux
With Chantal Maurage, gastroenterologist pediatrician and professor emeritus at the University of Tours.
How to recognize gastroesophageal reflux?
Frequent and usually benign, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects 1 in 2 babies. (the esophagus). When GERD is in the form of milk, it is a benign physiological reflux that occurs shortly after the bottle. It is usually non-serious and painless. Prolonged and aggressive reflux is when the child rejects acidic, clear, warm gastric fluid.
Why are some babies more prone to reflux?
It may be due to overeating if the child has drunk more than his stomach can handle. Also, the milk is fatty and hot, two factors that slow down the digestion process and promote discharge. Regurgitation is however rarer in the breastfed baby because it first sucks a kind of aqueous and sweet water which gradually turns into fatty and creamy milk allowing better satiety and faster digestion.
Baby GERD: until what age?
The first few weeks, the child moves little but around 5 months, he begins to turn around, to put toys in his mouth and crushes his belly while moving, and these movements will promote reflux. GERD then decreases as the child stands up and most reflux resolves spontaneously by walking age.
My baby spits up a lot
When should we be worried?
There is concern if the regurgitation causes painful esophageal burns for the baby. Note that what scares parents the most are the wrong roads! However, an infant does not suffocate just from reflux. On the other hand, where it is necessary to be vigilant it is if the child is encumbered, is too hot or appears abnormally soft.