Is It Colic, Infant Reflux, Or GERD? Learn How To Tell The Difference

It can sometimes be difficult for a parent to understand whether the baby has colic or reflux (and even GERD) since some of the symptoms (eg. poor sleep, constant crying) can be similiar. It's also extremely important to rule out reflux as a cause of this crying, as it's becoming widely acknowledged that many cases of colic are actually undiagnosed and untreated cases of reflux. In these cases, simply treating the reflux may eliminate the colicky behavior.

The easiest way to determine whether a baby has colic or reflux is to look at the definitions and symptoms of each. Then compare them to your child's symptoms.

COLIC

Colic can be defined as uncontrollable, extended crying in babies who are otherwise healthy and well-fed. All babies cry, but when they cry for more than three hours a day, three to four days a week, they are said to have colic.

Symptoms of Colic

The main symptom is continuous crying for long periods of time. This crying can occur at any time of day but it usually gets worse at night. It's not believed that colic is caused by pain although a colicky baby may look uncomfortable or appear to be in pain. They may lift their head, draw their legs up to their abdomen, pass gas and become red-faced. Poor sleep habits is also common.

REFLUX

The term reflux is a shorter way of referring to GER (Gastro Esophageal Reflux) and is simply defined as the backward flow of stomach contents up the esophagus. GER is a physiological process that happens to everyone-young and old-from time to time, particularly after meals and many times we are not even aware it is happening. In babies it generally occurs from immaturity of the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) which is the muscle between the stomach and esophagus.

Some common symptoms of uncomplicated reflux can include:

*constant or sudden crying or colic like symptoms

*irritability and pain

*poor sleep habits typically with frequent waking

*arching their necks and back during or after eating spitting- up or vomiting

*wet burp or frequent hiccups

*frequent ear infections or sinus congestion

Your child does not need to exhibit all of these symptoms, in fact, only having one of the above could mean they have reflux. It does not; however, mean they need treatment. If your child is showing one or more of the above symptoms but is otherwise happy and healthy then some simple lifestyle modifications will likely make life better until they outgrow it. Visit InfantRefluxDisease.com for more info on treatments.

GERD

In contrast, GER (Gastro Esophageal Reflux) is referred to as GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) when complications arise. GERD is a pathological process and the complications can be typical (failure to thrive, feeding and oral aversions, esophagitis, etc) or atypical (wheezing, pneumonia, chronic sinusitis, etc). Patients with GERD have complications arising from their GER that necessitate medical intervention. GERD is also referred to as "Pathogenic GER". It is estimated that approximately one in three hundred children will present symptoms of GERD and is more common in children with neurological impairments.

Symptoms indicative of Reflux Disease or GERD:

*refusing food or accepting only a few bites despite being hungry or the exact opposite requiring constant

*small meals or liquid

*food/oral aversions

*anemia

*excessive drooling

*running nose, sinus infections

*swallowing problems, gagging, choking

*chronic hoarse voice

*frequent red, sore throat without infection present

*apnea

*chronic ear infections

*respiratory problems-pneumonia, bronchitis, wheezing, asthma, night-time cough, aspiration

*gagging themselves with their fingers or fist (sign of esophagitis)

*poor weight gain, weight loss, failure to thrive

*erosion of dental enamel

*neck arching (Sandifer's Syndrome)

*bad breath

Roni MacLean
infantRefluxDisease.com

Early in 2001 Roni MacLean launched InfantRefluxDisease.com. One of the best sources of info online, it's an informational website to help others survive what MacLean had been through with her daughter. She has also written the highly acclaimed book, Life on the Reflux Roller Coaster, published in 2004. Currently she dedicates all her time to the website and it's visitors.

---

Planning a Baby Shower? These Tips Make It Stress Free

One of the most pleasant parties to plan has to... Read More

Important Features to Consider When Buying a Baby Crib

With all the different features of baby cribs, it can... Read More

What Foods Should I Avoid While Breastfeeding?

Women in our culture are sometimes advised to avoid spicy... Read More

The Best Birth Gift

If you are thinking of hiring a nanny, no doubt... Read More

Potty Training Facts

Potty training, toilet training, toilet teaching or toilet learning are... Read More

Baby Signing ? 10 Easy Ways to Start Signing with Your Baby

Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier... Read More

Potty Training At Daycare and Preschool

With 61% of children between the ages of birth and... Read More

Babies: How to Get Your Children Excited About the New Arrival

The sudden appearance of a new baby can be rough... Read More

Baby Girl Clip Art

The online baby girl clip art images help you to... Read More

Does The Size Of Your Baby Matter?

Does size matter? No, not that! Is your baby too... Read More

Wheres My Mother of The Year Award?

With orange juice spilled over the kitchen table, Playdough in... Read More

Baby Gift Registry

A furniture gift registry helps us streamline to the best... Read More

Dozens of Baby Shower Themes

Choosing baby shower themes is the first step in planning... Read More

Naming Your Baby - How to Get the Most out of Your Babynaming Ceremony

You've engaged a celebrant and you've picked the day. So... Read More

Steps To Dealing With Your Autistic Child

It is most unfortunate that many wonderful parents feel that... Read More

Baby?s First Shoes: How to Choose the Right Ones

Any parent of an active toddler has asked this question:... Read More

Should Baby Bedding Be Tight or Loose?

Many parents already know that it is better not to... Read More

Five Reasons For Preparing Your Own Baby Food

Are you unsure whether you should make your own baby... Read More

When To Start Teaching Your Baby (1)

When is it that I should start teaching my baby?... Read More

Baby Shower Invitation Wording

Your baby shower invitation wording can be either generic or... Read More

Baby Shower Party Decorations to Liven up Your Baby Shower

An excellent source of information providing the perfect baby shower... Read More

Potty Training Doll - How Do You Use A Potty Training Doll To Potty Train You Child?

Your heard about using a potty training doll that drinks... Read More

7 Stages of Potty Training

There are seven stages of potty training. They begin with... Read More

Infant Car Seats

Finding the best car seats for your child: To escape... Read More

Real Nappies (Cotton Nappies) or Disposables - The Debate

I'm sure you have heard some of the debate surrounding... Read More

Baby Speech Development - Lost for Words

As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are... Read More

Baby Shower Invitations Ideas

The first thing you need to do before you order... Read More

How To Talk To Your Baby ? And Understand What She?s Saying Back

It is incredible, but within a years time your baby... Read More

Planning a Baby Shower

This article has information for the novice as well as... Read More

Language Development In Your Baby

From birth to one year your baby will go from... Read More

Baby Clipart for All Your Baby Shower Printing Needs

Baby clipart is the perfect accent to all of your... Read More

A Daddy Baby Shower - New Twist on the old Baby Shower

Try something new, a Daddy Baby Shower. Even though no... Read More

Hello World: Babys Third Month Guide

Remember how you wished your baby would learn there is... Read More