What is Gerd and Reflux?

Symptoms of Infant Acid Reflux

According to the Mayo Clinic, most babies who have infant acid reflux are healthy. Normal infant acid reflux doesn’t interfere with a baby’s growth or well-being. Signs and symptoms of infant acid reflux may include:
  • Spitting up
  • Irritability during or after feedings
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Refusing to eat
  • Crying when placed on his or her back, especially after a feeding
In severe cases, your baby may arch his or her back while crying and this may look like your baby is having a seizure.

Symptoms of GERD

GERD is a severe version of reflux that can cause pain, vomiting and poor weight gain. There are numerous symptoms of GERD which can sometimes cause chronic complications. The main symptoms of GERD include the following. Contact your baby’s doctor if your baby:
  • Isn't gaining weight
  • Spits up forcefully, causing stomach contents to shoot out of his or her mouth
  • Spits up green or yellow fluid
  • Spits up blood or a material that looks like coffee grounds
  • Resists feedings
  • Has blood in his or her stool
  • Has other signs of illness, such as fever, diarrhea or difficulty breathing
  • Begins vomiting at age 6 months or older
Not only can these signs indicate gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), but also other serious conditions such as pyloric stenosis. Pyloric stenosis is a rare condition in which a narrowed valve between the stomach and the small intestine prevents stomach contents from emptying into the small intestine.

What Is GERD And How Does It Affect My Baby?

So what exactly is GERD?
When a baby’s stomach acid rises up, or refluxes, into the esophagus, it is called GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease. The infant may spit up or vomit. GERD is the chronic, more serious form of infant reflux. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, causes complications, including the potential for esophageal damage. Infants with normal infant reflux have fewer episodes that will eventually resolve with growth. If your child is diagnosed with the more serious, chronic condition, GERD, review information about caring for GERD and what treatments are available.

      Care for GERD in Infants to Prevent Complications

      The worrisome condition of GERD in infants causes frequent heartburn and esophageal irritation, which makes babies irritable and uncomfortable. Treatment for heartburn and other signs and symptoms of GERD usually begins with over-the-counter remedies such as Colic-Ease gripe water and changes to burping and feeding techniques. However, if your baby doesn’t experience relief within a few weeks, your doctor may recommend other treatments, including medications.