While we wish we had a "quick fix" for babies who spit up, the truth is that for a good many spitty babies, it is mostly a matter of time. This information will help them determine whether your child is a "happy spitter" or has symptoms of GERD. Your child's pediatrician will review your child's symptoms and feeding patterns and assess your child's growth by plotting his or her weight and height on a growth chart. The AAP believes it is important for all pediatric health care providers to be able to properly identify and treat children with reflux symptoms, and to distinguish GER from more worrisome disorders to avoid unnecessary costs and treatments. ![]() How will my pediatrician evaluate my baby for GER? In addition, let your pediatrician know if you notice that your baby doesn't seem to be gaining weight or is having fewer wet and dirty diapers, as these may be signs that not enough of what he or she eats is staying down. Respiratory symptoms-including wheezing and coughing Increase in frequency or intensity of the spit-up (i.e., forceful)īelly is swollen or distended or feels hard Call your pediatrician if your child exhibits any of the following signs or symptoms:Ĭrying and/or arching the back during feeds (i.e., seems to be in pain) Unlike GER, GERD is associated with complications from acid reflux. In addition, GER is more common in children who are overweight or obese. Large meals and highly acidic or spicy meals, as well as carbonated or caffeinated beverages, can lead to increased GER symptoms. In older children, diet can play more of a role. See Why Babies Spit Up for more information on this. When it is not fully developed or it opens at the wrong time, the stomach contents move back or reflux into the esophagus. This ring of muscle normally relaxes to let food pass from the esophagus into the stomach and then tightens again to keep the food there. This is called the lower esophageal sphincter. ![]() If your baby's stomach is full or his or her position is changed abruptly, especially after a feeding, the stomach contents-food mixed with stomach acid-press against the valve at the top of the stomach. In addition, normal development, including improved head control and being able to sit up, as well as the introduction of solid food, will help improve GER symptoms. In most babies, GER disappears as the upper digestive tract functionally matures. Most babies who are born at full term will have complete resolution of symptoms by the time they are 9 to 12 months old. GER usually begins at approximately 2 to 3 weeks of life and peaks between 4 to 5 months. Other symptoms of GER include mild feeding problems, such as occasional prolonged feeds or interrupted feeds. In fact, your baby may feel better after a good spit-up. These infants are known as "happy spitters," because they are not cranky and do not appear to be in a great deal of pain when spitting up. GER in infants is not considered a disease and does not include a "D." In fact, GER is considered normal. When reflux is associated with other symptoms, or if it persists beyond infancy, it is considered a disease and is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Without getting too technical, spit-up (also called reflux, gastroesophageal reflux, or GER) is the movement of stomach contents into the esophagus, and sometimes through the mouth and nose. ![]() ![]() What are the differences between GER and GERD? To help you sort it all out, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) answers common questions about typical digestive functioning and explains the differences between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). So, how do you know if your spitty baby's symptoms are normal or part of a larger problem? All babies spit up- and it often seems like everything they just ate comes right back up!
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