For babies, even the slightest health problem can trigger anxiety. One of them is the baby often vomits. Pay attention to this possibility as a symptom of stomach acid disorders in infants.
Babies often vomit is one of the usual things, especially after breastfeeding. Most do not require any action. But if the baby vomits accompanied by fuss, shortness of breath, frequent vomiting so that growth is disrupted, or make weight gain does not increase, there is a possibility your child experiencing stomach acid disorders.
Gastric Acid Reflux Causes Frequent Vomiting in Babies
If the baby vomits frequently, after every meal, this needs to be explored further. Infants have the possibility of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Reflux occurs when the muscular circle between the esophagus and stomach does not function optimally, so that stomach acid and food from the stomach return to the esophagus. Generally, this happens because the function of the muscle ring that functions like a valve in the lower esophagus of the baby is not perfect. The good news, the valve will usually function perfectly from the age of 4-5 months to the age of one year. At that time, the vomiting experienced by the baby will stop. Babies experiencing reflux can also be caused by the size of the stomach is still small, so it is easily filled.
Aside from vomiting infants, some other symptoms that accompany GERD in infants include:
- Stomach ache.
- Pain or pain in the throat and chest. So often refuse to suckle or eat.
- Cry when or after feeding or being fed.
- Frequent coughing or coughing that lasts long enough.
- Respiratory disorders such as choking, coughing, wheezing or wheezing, to shortness of breath. If left untreated, this respiratory disorder can cause pneumonia.
- Developmental disorders, this is because the baby does not get enough nutrients needed.
- Colic in infants.
Overcoming Gastric Acid in Infants
It is important to see a pediatrician immediately for frequent vomiting, accompanied by symptoms of GERD. To determine the diagnosis, the doctor will ask for information from parents and see the baby's health records and do a physical examination on the baby. There is also the possibility that the doctor will perform a series of additional tests to confirm the condition of GERD, such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or examination of the X-ray of the stomach accompanied by barium swallow.
Generally, doctors will give medicines that will reduce gas in the stomach, as well as drugs that will reduce stomach acid levels. However, some studies show the possibility that the use of stomach acid-lowering drugs cannot completely reduce the occurrence of reflux in infants. Provision of drugs must be very careful in infants, because there is likely to cause side effects.
In addition to drugs, in some cases surgery may be needed to treat GERD. This procedure is quite effective but rarely done, because it considers the risks to the baby.
Preventing Acid Reflux in Infants
To help prevent babies from vomiting frequently due to GERD, it's good to try a few things that can help babies feel comfortable. For example, giving an extra pillow on the head and adjust the eating schedule. The mother can also hold the baby in an upright position about 30 minutes after feeding or eating. Make sure there is no excessive pressure around the stomach for that long. In addition, try to burp the baby every time after feeding or eating.
Other actions that can be done such as thickened milk given by adding cereal, or for babies who can already eat solid food, can be given more dense textured food. But this action should not be done haphazardly, because it must be with the approval of a doctor.
Infants often vomit should be observed if there is excessive or accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting accompanied by blood, or babies often vomit causing dehydration. Consult with a pediatrician to get the best treatment.
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