Although it can be very alarming for parents at first, reflux is very common in babies, and will most likely get better on its own by the time your child is one year old. In most cases, reflux will not harm your baby, and does not need any medical treatment. It is unlikely to cause problems later on in life.
More than 50% of babies spit up regularly in the first months of life. Reflux usually peaks at 4 – 5 months of life and stops by 12 – 18 months.
Many babies with reflux will outgrow it by the time they are age 1. This is when the lower esophageal sphincter becomes stronger. For other babies, feeding and lifestyle changes and medicine can help. Work with your child's healthcare team to create a care plan for your child.
GERD cannot go away on its own. Without treatment, this disease can cause serious physical complications over time. But, with proper management, GERD does not have to overwhelm your life.
Reflux usually starts before a baby is 8 weeks old and gets better by the time they're 1.
Children from birth to 2 years old with reflux have an underdeveloped lower esophageal sphincter, causing stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. In children older than 2, the lower esophageal sphincter is weak, causing frequent heartburn and indigestion.
Yes, most cases of acid reflux, sometimes referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can be cured. When faced with this diagnosis, I like to treat both symptoms and root causes.
Gaviscon can be used to treat heartburn (acid reflux) and indigestion. The medicine works by forming a protective layer that floats on top of the contents of your stomach. This stops stomach acid escaping up into your food pipe.
The fat in milk can aggravate acid reflux. But nonfat milk can act as a temporary buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents and provide immediate relief of heartburn symptoms."
GER can happen in adults and kids, even babies. It's normal and most kids who have gastroesophageal (gass-troh-eh-soff-eh-JEE-el) reflux outgrow it over time. Changes in diet can help, but some kids might need medical treatment.
Yes, it's possible. Emotional stress can increase acid production in the stomach, aggravating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In people with GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (which acts as a door between the stomach and the esophagus) doesn't work properly.
Lifestyle choices are often a major factor in triggering GERD symptoms, such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain. Some of the most common triggers include eating large meals, consuming acidic or spicy foods, drinking alcohol and caffeine, smoking, and being overweight or obese.
Acid reflux can cause a burning sensation in the throat and chest. Drinking water, low fat milk, and herbal teas may help manage it. Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and sodas may worsen symptoms, however. Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid flows up into a person's esophagus, or food pipe.
GERD is considered a chronic disease and may not be entirely curable. Working with your doctor on a treatment plan that aligns with your stage of GERD will help manage your symptoms and halt the progression of the condition.
Although you may have been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), that doesn't mean you can't enjoy your life to its fullest. There are ways to control GERD that won't necessarily make your acid reflux go away, but it may help alleviate the symptoms enough so that you forget that they are there.
Meanwhile, certain home remedies and lifestyle changes may help you get rid of GERD for good. You can try avoiding trigger foods and lying down after eating, losing excess weight, exercising, and quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol, if applicable. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to cure GERD.
Surgery for GERD
The goal of surgery for reflux disease is to strengthen the anti-reflux barrier. During a procedure known as a Nissen fundoplication, your surgeon wraps the upper part of your stomach around the lower esophagus. This enhances the anti-reflux barrier and can provide permanent relief from reflux.
Sometimes stress from a big event in a child's life – such as the first day of school, exams, or a sporting event – triggers a digestive upset. However, when digestive disturbances in children become more frequent, it's a good time to seek an opinion from a medical professional.
While dummy use is often controversial as they have known advantages and disadvantages, some infants with reflux seem to benefit from using a dummy. Dummy use is a personal choice and this may be one option you could consider.
If your baby has reflux, you can and should continue with tummy time. Try the positions where your baby is more upright such as on your chest, over your legs or on a gym ball. Remember to leave 20 to 30 minutes after a feed before placing your baby on their tummy to reduce vomiting and discomfort.
A recent article from the Cleveland Clinic extolled the virtues of probiotics for kids. “So how can probiotics help your little one? For starters, they help relieve constipation, acid reflux, diarrhea symptoms and flatulence.