Acid Reflux In New Borns
Acid reflux in new borns is quite a common occurence. It is widely seen in the form of "spitting up". In this condition the food or the contents of the stomach come up from the stomach into the throat, causing spitting or vomiting in new borns after feeding. It can also induce coughing and sneezing in new borns.
It can be very difficult to diagnose acid reflux in new borns. So it is better to consult your paediatrician ( a doctor who specialises in the treatment of health problems in babies and infants) as soon as possible to determine the cause of Acid Reflux.
Acid reflux is the name given to the condition when stomach acid travels up the oesophagus (the name given to the tube connecting the throat and the stomach) into the throat. There is a valve, which is small ring of muscles, between the oesophagus and the stomach. This ring of muscles opens to release any gas in the stomach generated by the digestion process after meals. But sometimes, due to the pressure of the gas in the stomach, even the food or the contents from the stomach also pass through it, causing the newborn spit up all that they have consumed.
Symptoms of acid reflux in new borns: Acid reflux can be normal in newborn up to the age of 6 to 8 months. But if the symptoms are noticed for a long time it is necessary to consult a doctor. It can be cured with the help of proper advice from your doctor and, in some cases, proper medicine. The some of the common symptoms are: -
- spitting while burping,
- problems while swallowing,
- eating problems,
- eating in small quantities,
- continuous crying,
- loosing weight,
- sleeping problems
These problems often disappear as the new born gets older but if they still persist, necessary treatment can be started under the guidance of a doctor. But if the problem is not serious it can be cured as your newborn grows up.
Preventing the acid reflux in new borns: At this delicate stage of your baby's life, parents can take few preventive steps to give their newborn baby a healthy life. The doctor can recommend some changes in the feeding habits or the lifestyle of your baby, depending on the severity of the acid reflux.
Tips for improving your new born's health are:
Breast feeding: Breast feeding is the best food for the newborn baby. It is easily digested. It also reduces the chances of acid reflux. It also builds a bond between the mother and the baby.
Correct position for holding the baby: Hold your baby in the proper position while feeding and hold him upright for up to half an hour after feeding. Alternatively, if the baby is awake, lay them on their stomach with their head and upper body at an angle of 30 degrees above the horizontal.
Proper sleeping position: Make the baby sleep at the same inclination (30 degrees), on its back.
Feed your baby at regular intervals: Feeding the baby with small regular intervals will create less pressure on its digestive system and boost the digesting power.
Making the baby burp: Making baby pass the gas during and after feeds by holding it in the erect position, eg. leaning against your shoulder, while gently rubbing baby's back is also important.
Above are some tips towards ensuring the healthy life and upbringing of your newborn.