Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, otherwise called GERD, often occurs in adults. Unfortunately, some infants will also experience acid reflux. As a parent, it is important to recognize the symptoms of an infant who is suffering from GERD to point it out to a doctor and begin an appropriate treatment to make the baby more comfortable. Fortunately, the symptoms of GERD and acid reflux in children is easy to recognize when looking for the right signs.
Frequent Symptoms:
The symptoms that occur most frequently are the common signs of GERD that doctors will need to know about for an accurate diagnosis. These symptoms occur in most infants who are suffering from acid reflux and give an indication that something is wrong.
Infants who have frequent vomiting or recurring vomiting have one of the potential symptoms. This symptoms should not stand alone because vomiting is often a sign of many other sicknesses a baby might develop.
Many infants will have frequent coughing as a result of the uncomfortable feeling in the throat from the reflux. As with the vomiting, this should not stand alone.
Infants who refuse to eat are often doing so as a result of the discomfort in the throat from the reflux. These same babies might have difficulty eating as well. Babies who are gagging or seem to choke on the formula or food might have a sore throat from reflux.
A large amount of gas is often a sign of reflux in infants. This can also relate to reactions to food, so it should not stand alone as a symptom.
Most babies will cry and act fussy as a result of the pain from heartburn. This is a common symptom associated with GERD in infancy and might result in less sleep for both the infant and parents.
Some babies will also regurgitate and re-swallow foods or formula.
Symptoms that Sometimes Occur:
Though many symptoms are common among babies, some infants will have further symptoms that might alarm parents and doctors until an appropriate diagnosis is made.
One of the potential symptoms that might worry parents is recurring pneumonia. Some babies who develop GERD will end up catching pneumonia several times before the cause is recognized. If a baby is getting pneumonia often, parents should ask a doctor about GERD as a potential cause.
Breathing problems might also develop from acid reflux. Part of the problem is due to breathing in the acids while sleeping and part of it is the constant irritation on the esophagus. Wheezing, coughing and general breathing difficulty might relate to GERD, though parents should also rule out asthma.
Though infants usually outgrow GERD before reaching the toddler years, it does sometimes occur in young children as well. Parents need to understand the reflux problem and learn more about it before they are able to work with a doctor and implement the best treatment methods. A baby cannot talk about the problems, but he or she will show symptoms that parents can recognize. For more information about GERD in infancy and childhood, visit Reflux Remedy at www.refluxremedy.com today.