REFLUX

postavio/la

Željana Brankov

March 12, 2020

Reflux is a condition that occurs when the contents of the stomach are returning to the oesophagus. Gastric contents can also completely return to the mouth, thus causing the baby to vomit.

Is reflux a common occurrence?

It has been identified with babies under one year of age, and it is most common with prematurely born babies.

Why do babies have reflux?

The oesophagus muscles, in normal situations, run a series of spasms to move food or fluid downward towards the stomach. Once in the stomach, the food or liquid is mixed with acid to begin the digestion. When this mixing process occurs, the muscles of the lower oesophagus should tighten to prevent food from returning to the mouth. With some children, these muscles are underdeveloped, and as a result, sometimes get relaxed when they should flex. This allows for the contents of the stomach to return upwards, i.e. from the stomach to the oesophagus.

Why is reflux considered to be a problem?

This is because gastric content is mixed with gastric acid and as such can cause oesophagus irritation. Also, babies with reflux often vomit and do not consume enough food, which is reflected in their growth.

How does a baby with reflux behave?

A baby with reflux may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

Frequent vomiting

Apnea

Anxiety and coughing after being fed

Twisting their back in an arch or crying

Slower growth

Lungs inflammation due to food entry into the lungs, or difficulty in breathing

''Reflux is a condition that occurs when the contents of the stomach are returning to the oesophagus. Gastric contents can also completely return to the mouth, thus causing the baby to vomit.''

How to treat reflux?

Positioning

Usually, the baby is placed on the abdomen, with its head being raised or the baby is placed in a semi-seated position. This allows the gastric contents to stay close to the part of the stomach where it connects with the intestines and therefore prevents it from returning to the oesophagus. Laying position should be avoided as it worsens the reflux.

– Changes in feeding

A thickened meal with cereals or more solid food is advised. Such type of milk mixture is denser and less likely to return to the oesophagus, or one can try a diet with a formula to which rice starch is added. So, less quantity of food and more frequent meals.

– Medicine

Medication can reduce acid production or improve muscle coordination.

-Operation

If none of these helps, and the baby is not gaining weight and the reflux is very serious, surgery can be performed to tighten the area above the stomach.

For how long will my baby have reflux?

Usually, the symptoms of a reflux are slowly decreasing, the condition is improving or the symptoms completely disappear at about one year of age.