How to Diagnose Acid Reflux in Babies

Infant acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid is regurgitated into the esophagus. While virtually all babies spit up from time to time, babies with acid reflux have pain and other complications from the abnormal regurgitation. Infant acid reflux may be treated with dietary changes and medications, and symptoms commonly begin to subside after a baby reaches the age of 1.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about your baby's symptoms. Acid reflux may be diagnosed if a baby seems to experience pain when spitting up, arches his back and refuses to be fed, according to the Children's Hospital Boston. Other symptoms that may result in a diagnosis of acid reflux include poor weight gain, breathing difficulties, and a hoarse voice or cry, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.

• 2

  Consider using doctor-prescribed antacids or other reflux medications recommended by your baby's doctor for a while. The doctor may diagnose acid reflux if a trial of acid reflux medication proves effective at reducing symptoms.

• 3

  Ask your doctor if a pH probe study would be helpful in obtaining a diagnosis. The test involves running a small tube down the nose and throat to the esophagus. The tube may be left in place for 18 to 24 hours, and it measures how often acid is regurgitated. Upper intestinal endoscopy, a quicker procedure that involves passing a tube down the throat, may also be helpful, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.