Infants and Acid Reflux

Infant acid reflux is quite common. People of all ages, especially infants because they consume only liquids or soft foods, suffer from mild heartburn or acidic regurgitation on occasion. As in adult cases, infants experience acid reflux when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is relaxed. The LES acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. It opens up to allow food into the stomach and then closes in order to protect the esophagus and other organs from acidic reflux. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine if an infant has developed a chronic form of heartburn called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

In order to determine if an infant has a chronic form of heartburn (GERD) you should consult your pediatrician. Look for clues such as sleeping problems, coughing, weight loss, lack of appetite, spitting up frequently, and apnea. Acid reflux disease can cause respiratory problems including pneumonia, strictures and ulcerations on the esophageal wall, and malnourishment. Infant acid reflux symptoms usually include recurrent coughing, bad breath, spitting up frequently, unusual irritability and crying, chest pain, and sore throat.

There are several causes of acid reflux in infants. Many of the causes are exacerbated by the fact that infants, much more so than adults, consume mostly liquids and spend a great deal of time on their backs or in a supine position. Combined with the backwash potential of liquids, lying down puts pressure on the LES (esophagus valve) and increases the chances for reflux. Other causes could be attributed to the anatomy of a child's stomach position, poor eating habits, smoking (second hand), being overweight, and food allergies.

In addition to GERD, infants can be diagnosed with a functional version of acid reflux. This condition can be improved with simple modifications such as changing eating habits, keeping the child upright after eating, and encouragement. GERD, or the chronic disease, requires medical treatment by a physician, prescription drug therapy, as well as lifestyle changes.

Acid Reflux Info provides comprehensive information on the cause, symptoms, treatment, and diet associated with normal and infant acid reflux. Acid Reflux Info is the sister site of Pain Relief Web.

---

Increasing Patient Care and Reducing Liability in Seven Simple Steps

When an unconscious patient arrives in the ED, every hospital... Read More

Online Pharmacies and the FDA

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is responsible for overseeing... Read More

Overview of FDA Recalled Drug - BEXTRA

Bextra, also known as valdecoxib, is a... Read More

Arthritis Pain Relief : Questions To Ask Your Healthcare Provider

A great place to begin taking charge of you arthritis... Read More

First Responder Human Hibernation Units

In the next few years paramedics, first responders and military... Read More

Advanced Surface Ablation

In patients with corneal thickness below a certain minimum, performing... Read More

Why Modern Medicine is the Greatest Threat to Health

There is the underlying assumption that modernity translates into better... Read More

Orphan Drugs: Hope Where There Is Little or No Hope

NEW YORK, N.Y., February 18, 2004 ? On a visit... Read More

Warning: Taking Bextra May Harm Your Health

Another Vioxx-like occurrence may be on the rise, as warnings... Read More

Online Pharmacies Are Becoming Increasingly Popular Due To Their Convenience And Discreetness

Leading online pharmacy companies are providing consumer with a secure,... Read More

Rebound Headache - Stop The Cycle

You've been getting headaches. Finally, you find some medications that... Read More

Acid Reflux and Your Diet

There is an undeniable connection between the occurrence of acid... Read More

Prescription Drug Side Effects: Treating From The Outside Or The Inside?

Throughout time there have always been two opposing points of... Read More

Lunesta Sleeping Pills: A Quick Guide To Lunesta

When was the last time you enjoyed a good night's... Read More

Orthotics: Prefab or Custom-Made?

If you take a simple stroll down the foot product... Read More

3 Facts Everyone Should Know About Stem Cells

Cord BloodCord Blood is the blood that remains in the... Read More

Facial Pain: When a Nerve Is a Live Wire

Of all the places in the body that can hurt,... Read More

Could This Be Arthritis In My Hands

Hi Rusty. A few days ago, I slightly injured a... Read More

What You Should Know About Mixing Medications and Diet...

I had a call the other day from a potential... Read More

How to Remove the Psychological Addiction to Smoking - and Start to ENJOY Giving Up Smoking!

Consider this:Already since 1972, over 60 million people in the... Read More

Contact Lenses and Eye Glasses, How is Your Vision?

Notice friends getting contact lenses and pulling out eye glasses?"What... Read More

The Ease of Using a Motorized Wheelchair to Improve Mobility

No person likes to feel housebound and dependent on others.... Read More

Pain in the Butt. How to Deal with Hemorrhoids?

This is very sensitive area of your body. Too private.... Read More

Rogue Online Pharmacies: The Internet War Of 2005

Online Pharmacy owners who haven't been working within moral and... Read More

Implant Dentistry ? The Convenient and Safe Alternative to Dentures

If you are missing a tooth or a group of... Read More

Who Else Wants General Information on Arthritis?

Today there are about 70 million Americans with arthritis?that's one... Read More

Clinton on South Beach Diet

Clinton's recent quadruple bypass surgery has been largely debated. Being... Read More

Family Notification in Seven Quick and Easy Steps

The Seven Steps to Successful Notification is an easy-to-use system... Read More

Coumadin Users Can Avoid Unnecessary Complications By Wearing Identification

The police arrive at the accident scene promptly. A driver... Read More

Celebrex Side Effects Lawsuit Lawyer

The Food and Drug administration urges people to stop taking... Read More

Lunesta Personality Changes

Lunesta is a newly released sleeping pill. Marketed as a... Read More

How Do I Choose The Best Arthritis Medicine?

Are you spending a fortune on prescription arthritis medicines? Are... Read More

Lunesta FAQ: Things To Know Before You Buy Lunesta Online

When was the last time you enjoyed a good night's... Read More