Babies tend to regurgitate or spit up after a feeding, but that doesn't mean it's a sign of acid reflux disease, according to a new report. Many otherwise healthy babies regurgitate after being fed and most outgrow this symptom within a year.
Sometimes accompanied by coughing or hiccups, the constant regurgitation of food known as gastrointestinal reflux (GER) or spit up, occurs in 60 percent of infants. According to a report published April 29 in Pediatrics, research shows babies outgrow spitting up by the time they are a year old. Additional symptoms of GER include vomiting and irritability.
"Having an infant who regurgitates regularly, regardless of whether they might have some worrisome symptoms such as coughing, choking or irritability to go along with it, can pose concern and a lot of hurdles for families until the child grows out of the problem," pediatric gastroenterologist David Gremse said. Gremse is a co-author of the study and a professor at the University of South Alabama Medical School.
A smaller percentage of infants tends to exhibit gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is more of an issue. The symptoms are similar to gastrointestinal reflux (GER), but also include refusal to eat, indications of stomach aches and inability to rest well.
"These children oftentimes do benefit from acid suppression medication to control symptoms and heal any acid damage to the esophagus that may be present," Gremse said. According to Gremse, symptoms may also be a result of colic or intolerance of milk protein. For both conditions of gastrointestinal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the report recommends feeding and position changes that may help minimize the symptoms. Medication may be provided for patients diagnosed with GERD only. Pediatricians must follow specific guidelines for diagnosing and treating both reflux conditions.
"Even though a child may have problems from the reflux in infancy, the prognosis is good. Most will outgrow it and go on to lead healthy lives," Gremse said. He added that mothers who breast feed should limit spicy foods, fatty foods and caffeine in their diet. Giving babies smaller, more frequent feedings can also be helpful.
