Acid reflux in infants is generally diagnosed by the following symptoms: heartburn, gas, vomiting, coughing and abdominal pains. However, because babies are not able to speak for themselves, it is important to monitor your baby very closely for visible signs, e.g. does your baby starts crying after passing gas? The good news is that most babies outgrow acid reflux, but it has been reported in older children too. As soon as it is diagnosed, it can be easily treated successfully.

Common problems associated with acid reflux in babies include colic, recurrent gagging, breathing problems, poor growth and wheezing.

Preventive measures to alleviate acid reflux in babies are: (1) keep baby upright for 30 minutes after a feed, (2) changing the feeding schedule, (3) thicken bottle feedings with cereal, and (4)elevate the head of baby's bed. Acid reflux in infants can also be treated with antacids (e.g. Maalox), acid blockers (e.g. Prevacid), and acid suppressors (e.g. Zantac). It should be taken into consideration that babies differ from one another and one case might also differ from another. Therefore, it is always advisable to take your baby to the doctor for an assessment of his/her condition and not to treat your baby at home, based on information gathered from an internet source only.

Remember treatment will also be age-related and based on severity. On the flip-side, most infants suffer from acid reflux during the first 3 months of age and it normally disappears between 12 and 18 months of age.

Yours in health,