Reflux and Treatment in Babies
Reflux disease, which is seen in approximately 40% to 60% of babies in the first 6 months after birth, is a disease that is observed with various symptoms and regresses between 6-12 months. The main factors that cause reflux in babies are as follows:
Reflux disease, which is seen in approximately 40% to 60% of babies in the first 6 months after birth, is a disease that is observed with various symptoms and regresses between 6-12 months. The main factors that cause reflux in babies can be listed as follows:
- Insufficiency in the functional development of the valve at the lower end of the esophagus due to premature birth
- Birth weight over 4 kg
- Conditions that cause increased intra-abdominal pressure
- Delayed emptying of the stomach
- Movement and dysfunction of the esophagus
- Developmental abnormalities of the esophagus (esophageal atresia, fistula and similar diseases)
- Stomach hernia (hiatus hernia)
- Brain and nervous system diseases
What are the Symptoms of Reflux in Babies?
- Regurgitation of food from the stomach to the mouth and repetition at frequent intervals
- Baby refusing to feed
- Symptom of congestion due to chest pain
- Wheezing stridor cough
- Gagging at frequent intervals
- Weight loss or underweight gain
- Increased restlessness during feeding
- Chewing behavior in the form of rumination after feeding
- After feeding, the baby tenses its head and body like a spring and throws it back.
- Symptoms of choking, convulsions and cyanosis, especially after feeding
How to Diagnose Reflux in Babies?
Observations of the mother and father are of great importance when diagnosing infant reflux. It is important to observe the symptoms correctly and inform the doctor. If the observations of the mother and father bring to mind the possibility of reflux, clinical examinations are started. If structural abnormalities of the esophagus are suspected in the baby, a medicated gastrointestinal film (esophageal-stomach duodenoma radiograph) may be taken. However, today, the most preferred method for reflux testing in babies is to measure the acid coming from the stomach with a very thin cable tip (probe) inserted into the esophagus. This probe remains in the esophagus for 24 hours and measures pH changes there. This measurement method is called 24-hour pH monitoring.
How to Treat Reflux in Babies?
The main purpose of the treatment planned for reflux disease is to relieve existing complaints and prevent the progression of the disease. Preferred methods for treatment are planned in three ways: regulation of living conditions and nutrition, medical treatment and surgical treatment. The first treatment method to be preferred for babies should be the regulation of living conditions and feeding cycle.
- Care should be taken to ensure that the baby is fed at regular intervals and does not remain hungry for more than 2 hours.
- It is recommended not to lie down in the lying position, especially for the first half hour after meals, or to put the baby to sleep with a reflux pillow.
- In the first 6 months, no food other than breast milk should be consumed, and in the following periods, nutrition should be planned in accordance with the doctor’s advice.
