Those spit-ups and throw ups in your little infant might get you worried at times. This spit ups are nothing but acid reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease. (GERD). Acid reflux is a condition wherein the stomach contents including the acidic digestive juices backflow into the esophagus, better known as food pipe.
During the normal digestion process, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) closes tightly so as to prevent the backflow of the acidic content. In patients suffering from acid reflux, the LES fails to function properly and the acidic stomach content comes in contact with the esophagus. The acid then irritates the lining of the esophagus. The irritation is termed as acid reflux.
In infants, the digestive system is not fully well developed and hence almost all infants, especially in the first three months are susceptible to acid reflux. Usually, when the stomach content finds it way back into the esophagus, the infants immediately spit it out. In most cases, acid reflux ceases by the time infants become 12 to 18 months.
There are many symptoms, which are displayed by infants suffering from acid reflux. Common among them is spitting up. The bitter acidic content is instantly thrown out by the young mouth. Many a times infants also vomit the acidic content. Acid reflux also causes discomfort and pain in the abdominal area. Hence infants suffering from acid reflux are often seen crying. Infants suffering from acid reflux also are very fussy when it comes to feeding as they may experience difficulty while eating.
Nowadays, there are many diagnostic tests available which makes it easy for the doctors to spot acid reflux in infants. Barium swallow or upper GI series is one such test. Here the infant is fed with barium. An x-ray is then used to track the path of the barium. This allows the doctors to spot any problems in the esophagus or the stomach. Another test which allows the diagnosis of acid reflux is Endoscopy. This method involves insertion of flexible tube, which is fitted with camera and lights. This allows the doctors to observe the inner esophagus and the stomach to detect acid reflux. This method also involves collecting pieces of lining for biopsies so as to detect acid reflux. ‘pH probe’ is another method, which is used to spot acid reflux in infants. A thin wire with an acid sensor attached on its tip is inserted in the through the nose into the esophagus. The tube is kept for about a period of twenty –four hours to observe the acidic content in the esophagus.
Thus acid reflux is a common thing in infants which goes away with age. Simple tests can help in diagnosing and curing the condition.