Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is one of the most common problems in infants, and symptoms may be as simple as frequent spitting up or as complicated as regurgitating frequently, weight loss, bloody spit–up, significant pain, and breathing problems that can further complicate reflux.
The great news for parents is that this is a self-limited condition that, for most infants, doesn’t require medication or surgery, or even dietary changes, but rather a good understanding of the complications and parameters of GERD in order to properly prevent symptoms and manage the disease. One of the hallmarks of Pediatrics is anticipatory guidance, which equips parents with the necessary tools to manage any potential problems and have a solid understanding of what’s normal for specific ailments, in order to prevent unnecessary interventions in the future.
Most infants with acid reflux see a decline in issues by their first birthday, with symptoms peaking around 6 months old. However, when the aforementioned complications occur, the need for further evaluation rises to ensure that the problems are not rooted in a more serious ailment.
If your infant is spitting or vomiting up more food than they’re consuming, has difficulty breathing, is abnormally irritable, or has difficulty putting on weight and growing, there might be an upper intestinal problem that needs to be addressed. Contact us today for more information on GERD, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal diseases.
Leave A Comment