Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease among newborns and infants is not uncommon. Though most babies will "spit up" their milk or formula occasionally, those with infant gatroesophageal reflux disease vomit frequently and with more severity. Once the problem is diagnosed, it is possible to prevent the dangerous complications that may accompany this condition.

Symptoms

• An infant with gastroesophageal reflux disease will have frequent bouts of spitting up that do not seem to lessen with age. She will often not want to eat and have poor sleeping habits and bad breath. In advanced stages, infant gastroesophageal reflex disease can cause swallowing and respiratory problems.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of infant gastroesophageal reflux disease is often made by the symptoms. If a doctor wishes to confirm the diagnosis or investigate the severity, a barium swallow X-ray is performed. During this test, the child is given a small amount of chalky liquid that can be followed on the X-ray. Other diagnostic tests include a 24-hour Ph-probe study, scintigraphy and endoscopy.

Causes

• In infant gastroesophageal reflux disease, the food or liquid will back up from the stomach and into the esophagus. This is often caused by an improperly functioning or underdeveloped esophageal sphincter. Reflux disease is also thought to be inherited.

Complications

• Untreated infant gastroesophageal reflux can lead to respiratory problems, as the stomach contents aspirate into the nose, windpipe or lungs. The constant vomiting and lack of interest in food can interfere with a child's growth. Infant GERD can also cause scarring and bleeding in the esophagus.

Treatment

• Though most infants will outgrow gastroesophageal reflux by their first birthday, it is important to treat it. Babies should be held upright after eating to help gravity aid in food digestion. (Raising the head of the crib also helps with night symptoms.) If necessary, antacids and motility medications are also used.