Information on Erosive Esophagitis in Infants

Esophagitis is a condition in which the esophagus is inflamed. Usually the cause of erosive esophagitis is reflux disease, which involves repeated vomiting in infants. While a common condition among infants, there are conditions that can result from the erosive esophagitis being left untreated.

About

• Erosive esophagitis in infants is repeated, severe reflux. While half of all infants repeatedly vomit during the first four months, erosive esophagitis is a condition that appears to be the normal "spitting up," but is actually a condition that is more severe.

Facts

• Conditions such as anemia and hematemesis can result from erosive esophagitis. Studies show that a small percentage of infants with erosive esophagitis have the condition once they enter adulthood.

Symptoms

• Vomiting is the major symptom of erosive esophagitis. Other symptoms of this condition that are typical of infants include refusal to eat, fussiness and anemia.

Breast Milk Benefits

• Babies seem to do better when fed breast milk as opposed to cow's milk.

  Babies with erosive esophagitis seem to have decreased symptoms when fed breast milk. Many babies who struggle with reflux are allergic to the protein found in cow's milk. By feeding the infant breast milk, the allergy is eliminated and the symptoms dissipate.

Treatment

• Treatment for erosive esophagitis includes the elimination of cow's milk protein from the diet of the infant. Additionally, thickening formula with rice cereal and holding the infant upright for a half an hour after feeding will help reduce the vomiting associated with erosive esophagitis.