A common medical condition seen in newborns or infants is spitting up and throwing up after feeding is called acid reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux. The lower esophageal sphincter, which connects the esophagus and stomach, is immature and underdeveloped in children, which causes them to spit up or throw up. Risk factors in infants are lying flat and having a liquid diet. With time, most infants get better, and most do so by the time they're 18 months old.

The acid erodes the esophagus with repeated exposure and, if not treated promptly, can lead to GERD. (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)


Definition of Acid reflux:

Acid reflux, or "spitting up," occurs when the contents of the stomach return to the esophagus. Infants who are healthy experience reflux frequently each day. Reflux is not a problem as long as your child is healthy, happy, and developing normally.

  Acid reflux symptoms:

  • Crying
  • Colic
  • Frequent vomiting
  • Cough
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Irritability, especially following a meal
  • Poor growth or weight loss
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Arches frequently after eating

Causes of reflux

Because their digestive system's muscles are still developing, infants are more susceptible to acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Reflex in older children has different causes, such as obesity, overeating, eating spicy or fried food, consuming caffeine or carbonated beverages, and taking particular medications.

Diagnosis of GERD in Infants

Most of the time, the diagnosis of the reflux is made without being thoroughly investigated, but if the reflux is severe, it must be. The doctor will conduct a general physical examination to determine whether the child is developing normally. To rule out hyper pyloric stenosis, imaging tests with ultrasound and x-rays are performed. Sometimes ph monitoring is done, in which a probe is inserted into the lower esophagus and PH is checked. Moreover, the doctor might advise getting an endoscopy to check the esophagus for damage and gauge how much acid reflux is occurring.

 

Treatment of GERD reflux in Infants

If a child is developing normally on both a physical and mental level, there is nothing to be concerned about; just take some easy precautions. The child will get better as they get older, but occasionally they need to be treated, and the cause needs to be looked into. Here are some suggestions for keeping children from throwing up and spitting up.

  • Give your baby a burp after every breastfeeding.
  • Feeding issues: do not overfeed your baby
  • Keep your baby upright for 30 minutes
  • If your baby has a protein milk allergy, consult your doctor before changing the milk.
  • Cow's milk should be avoided in children under one-year-old.
  • For reflux disease, there is some commercial formula milk available.
  • Add cereal to thicken bottle feedings only after a doctor's recommendation.
  • Instead of one large feed, feed a smaller amount at frequent intervals.
  • Try weaning your child off solid food (only if your child is 4-6 months old and your doctor has recommended it).
  • Following a doctor's recommendation, medications like H2 blockers and PPI are used; very rarely, surgery is performed when all other conservative measures have failed.

Conclusion

Infant reflux is very common and typically normal, but it is always best to seek medical guidance. Most kids outgrow this condition as they get older, and most kids do well after 12- to 18 months. There are numerous reasons why kids might vomit. Always seek the advice of a pediatrician if there are any warning signs, such as refusal to feed, uncontrollable irritability, high-grade fever, or dehydration. Children very rarely require medical care or surgery.