Gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants (GERD baby; Chronic heartburn in infants; Reflux esophagitis in infants; Acid reflux in infants; Reflux in infants)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease—Child (GERD—Child; Chronic Heartburn—Child; Reflux Esophagitis—Child; Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease—Child; GORD—Child; Heartburn—Child; Reflux—Child)
Description of heartburn in infants
Hastroэzofahealnыy reflux (FAMILY) – throwing acid or food from the stomach into the esophagus. Esophagus – muscular tube, connecting the mouth and stomach. GER is common in infants, and usually goes to 12 months.
FAMILY, which is observed through 18-24 months of life may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD causes pain and swelling of the esophagus, due to the constant presence of acid in it. GERD can cause serious health problems. The sooner treatment begins GERD, the better the result.
The causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants
GERD is caused by the regular release of stomach acid into the esophagus. It is not always clear, Why acid enters the esophagus, the reasons for this may be different. It is also believed, that some cases of GERD associated with a genetic predisposition .
Acid retained in the stomach by a valve in the upper part of the stomach. The valve opens, when the food comes to the stomach. After passage of food into the stomach valve closes, preventing leakage of liquid and food. If the valve does not close properly, acid from the stomach may escape. Causes, by which the valve can not be closed:
- Problems with the nerves, controlling the opening and closing of the valve;
- Increased pressure in the stomach – reasons may be too much food in the stomach, or pressure on the stomach;
- Irritation of the stomach or muscle valve;
- Problems with the valve itself.
Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants
Factors, that may increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants include:
- Miscarriage;
- Down's syndrome;
- Neurological deterioration, such as intellectual disability;
- Cerebral paralysis;
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Hiatal hernia;
- Food Allergies;
- Obesity;
- Taking certain medications (eg, theophylline, Dexamethasone);
- The impact of tobacco smoke;
- Additional pressure on the valve, that keeps food in the stomach;
- Narrow or short esophagus;
- Delayed gastric emptying.
The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants
GER is very common in the first year of life. If GER symptoms worsen or do not go through 18 months of life, show the child to the doctor.
These symptoms, except heartburn, They may be caused by other diseases. If your child experiences any of them, should see a doctor.
- Coughing or vomiting;
- The child is not growing or gaining weight;
- Refusal to feed or feeding problems;
- Irritability or fussiness during or after feeding;
- Bulging of the back or other movements during or after feeding;
- Regurgitation or vomiting blood;
- Breathing problems;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Recurrent pneumonia and other respiratory diseases;
- Apnea or blue leather (the so-called cyanosis, sinjuxa);
- Coughing or wheezing;
- Hoarseness;
- Disturbed sleep;
- Excessive crying baby.
Diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history of the infant, and perform a physical examination. Child, perhaps, It needs to show pediatric gastroenterology, who specializes in diseases of the stomach and intestines.
Tests may include:
- Radiopaque barium study – top series of X-rays of the digestive system,performed after the adoption of a solution of barium;
- Upper endoscopy with biopsy together – for studying esophageal tube inserted into it from the light source at the end, as well as the selected fabric for research in the laboratory;
- 24-hour pH monitoring – the child is placed in the esophagus probe, to monitor the level of acidity in the lower esophagus.
The treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants
Treatments include:
Changing lifestyles baby
Lifestyle changes can help improve symptoms. Your doctor may suggest the following lifestyle changes:
- Try giving your child a hypoallergenic infant formula for one to two weeks. From it removed substance, associated with the most common allergic reactions;
- Feed your baby frequently, small portions;
- Thicken infant formula or milk to feed her baby. Use Figure, cereals or other thickener (safe for baby);
- Use feeding thickened milk mixture;
- Try, the child often regurgitate the air;
- Make, that the baby is in an upright position during feeding. Hold the baby upright for 30 minutes after a meal;
- Keep a diary of the child's symptoms;
- Ask a doctor about sleeping position, which depend on the age of the child. Infants should always lie on his back because of the risk of sudden infant death during sleep.
- Avoid exposing a child to tobacco smoke.
Medications for the treatment of GERD in infants
In most cases, treatment is initiated with lifestyle changes. Medications may be prescribed, GERD if the child does not pass. The drug may reduce the acid content in the stomach and accelerate healing. Recommended medications may include:
- H2-blockers of histamine receptors – to reduce acid production and promote healing (eg, Tagamet, Pepsid, Zantac);
- Proton pump inhibitors – also reduce acid production and promote healing (eg, Prilosek, Prevacid, Protonix, Nexium).
The procedures for the treatment of GERD in infants
In severe cases of GERD doctor may recommend surgery or endoscopy.
The most common surgery, It called fundoplication. During this procedure, the surgeon wraps part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter. This allows the sphincter to contract harder and prevents stomach acid into the esophagus. In many cases, this procedure can be done through a small incision in the skin (laparoscopic fundoplication).
Preventing GERD baby
In most cases the causes of GERD in infants is unknown. To reduce the risk of GERD in infants:
- Make changes to lifestyle and nutrition baby;
- Protect the baby from passive smoking;
- Keep a diary of the child's symptoms.
