What Is GERD in Infants?

GERD stands for Gastroesophagael Reflux Disease, and it can affect people of any age. GERD is also known as acid reflux disease, and is a common problem in young children and infants. When an infant has GERD, he may experience frequent spitting up after eating.

Causes

• GERD occurs when food or drink comes back up the esophagus from the stomach after it is ingested. This happens because the muscle connecting the esophagus to the stomach doesn't relax or close properly.

Appearance

• Babies with GERD spit up or have a wet burp after nearly every feeding. GERD spit-up is different from normal spit-up in that it is usually greater in quantity and possibly projectile in nature.

Symptoms

• Aside from spitting up, babies with GERD may express pain or discomfort after eating as a result of the acid in their esophagus or the heartburn they feel. They may refuse to eat or eat limited amounts, and they may hiccup frequently.

Age

• Most babies with GERD outgrow it by one or two years of age. Other children may continue to be affected by GERD for the rest of their lives.

Treatment

• Some babies find relief from their GERD symptoms once they are able to drink rice cereal in their bottles and eat solid food. It can also be helpful to prop the baby up when she eats and drinks and elevate the head of her crib mattress at night when she sleeps.