undiagnosed, it becomes worse and in extreme cases, the infant may
develop a feeding aversion because he associates feeding with pain. The
condition can advance to the point where it severely impacts the health of
a newborn including significant weight loss or esophagitis creating a
condition known as failure-to-thrive.” When reflux requires more
advanced medical attention beyond observation, the baby is said to have
GERD.
Amazingly, many babies with reflux are happy and thriving, despite
their excessive spitting up. These little ones are sometimes called “happy
spitters” or “happy chuckers,” and require little medical intervention.
That is because they are growing well, not abnormally fussy and not in
pain. They usually outgrow their reflux without any additional
complications. A smaller percentage, however, like Asher, Micah, Ross
and Caleb live with reflux irritation every day. They may or may not have
signs of vomiting but suffer with a type of severe infantile heartburn that
requires medical attention. These are the GERD babies.
Other outward symptoms that the baby may exhibit include excessive
or spontaneous crying, frequently from a sound sleep, and colic-like
symptoms, including signs of pain and irritability. Bouts of reflux can
occur throughout the day or night, during a feeding, immediately after a
feeding, and even up to 90 minutes later. One of the most important
indicators is the infant’s inability to be consoled. He is crying because he
is in pain.
Usually, when a physician suspect’s reflux or GERD based on the
clinical presentation, a medication that blocks acid production in the
stomach is prescribed. Improvement is often observable within 48 hours,
with substantial improvement occurring within 14 days. If an infant is
medicated but no improvement takes place, parents should contact their
healthcare provider immediately. It is not uncommon for one medication
to work wonderfully and for another to be completely ineffective. Parents
need to work with their pediatrician or family physician to find what will
help their baby.
In addition to medication, there are, as previously noted, aggravating
food source considerations for breastfeeding moms to review. Food
nora
(Nora)
#1