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Acid Reflux In
Babies
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.
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