Regurgitation, reflux, GERD in babies, how to react?

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux mainly affects babies. This is because the problem is usually resolved in the first few weeks or months of a child's life. It is extremely rare for this pathology to last over the long term. The age of the young patient is therefore important.

We must be careful to distinguish the simple reflux which is common and that we see in many babies from the real GERD which is treated like a disease and which, if not treated can have consequences on the stomach and stomach of a newborn, infant or baby.

Video by Juliette Le Peillet

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD

Regurgitation is a common condition in babies, especially in little boys. Benign most of the time, regurgitation disappear spontaneously with food diversification and walking, around one year. The symptoms are easily recognizable: reflux, or even more or less important and more or less violent regurgitation.

When they are too important, they can be confused with vomiting. This is called reflux or RGP. To differentiate them:
vomiting is more profuse, in the form of a jet, and may cause the weight curve to slow down if frequent.

But if the baby is growing well and there is not a break in her curve, the regurgitation is benign and you just have to … wait.

Why does baby regurgitate?

Infant regurgitation are caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is the return of stomach contents to the mouth. In babies, the sphincter supposed to form a non-return valve between the esophagus and the stomach (the cardia) is not quite "operational", it closes poorly, lets a little acidic gastric content contained in it pass through. stomach which escapes and gives regurgitations very unpleasant for the baby.

If in doubt, if you see that your child is having severe regurgitation, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. To relieve baby, it is important to choose a suitable infant formula, in particular a formula with a thicker composition. Look to a trusted brand like that of Novalac laboratories. For children suffering from significant regurgitation, the brand offers Novalac AR +, for babies 6-36 months, which covers nutritional needs within a diversified diet.

Novalac AR + 6-36 months is a food for special medical purposes, should be excluded from the diet of healthy children and should only be used under medical supervision.

– Paragraph produced in partnership with Novalac Laboratories –

What to do about GERD?

– Remain calm: the bottle must be taken in a moment of tranquility.
– The position of the infant when bottle-feeding or breast-feeding is also extremely important to avoid reflux and preserve the stomach. It is better to put the baby in a semi-seated position, in any case not lying down, even at the breast. It is also advisable not to lay the baby down immediately after his meal; afterwards, possibly lay him on his side, propping his back with a pillow (foam).
– Regulate the speed of the bottle: not too fast. Bottles can be thickened with thickeners or flour, depending on the age of the infant.
– You should not overfeed the baby either.
– Do not squeeze baby's tummy in his diaper or in his clothes.
– After feeding, put the baby in an upright position to help him roast: against your chest, head on your shoulder, holding his head; do not especially shake it.
– Do not smoke in the presence of baby.
– Raise the baby's mattress in his bed or cradle at head level.

What treatment for GERD?

Yes your baby has GERD and not of simple reflux, your doctor will often prescribe "gastric bandages" to protect your child's esophageal mucous membranes from acid reflux.
In France, your pediatrician may also advise you on medicines to reduce the acidity of stomach contents or anti-emetics (against vomiting).

However, these products are not recommended for very young children. Either way, trust your pediatrician.
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Additional examinations may also be prescribed: esophageal pH-measurement (measurement of acidity) or even fibroscopy will be required. If reflux is proven, antacids will be prescribed along with treatment.

In some extremely rare and complex cases surgery is necessary to treat severe gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Either way, your baby's health shouldn't be taken lightly. In case of doubt, in case of questions or to have confirmation of the symptoms that you may have observed, consult your pediatrician or your doctor. Do not allow troubles and discomfort to set in with your baby who may come to dread feeding time. Infants are fragile.

Complications: When GERD Lasts Too Long

Sometimes complications occur and the lining of the esophagus can become irritated because of the acid reflux: the baby then risks esophagitis.

Reflux can also lead to ENT or respiratory infections, especially when the regurgitation occurs while the baby is lying down.

If the baby turns blue or pale when he regurgitates, if he suddenly becomes very limp after a meal, if he cries during his bottles of milk, if the regurgitations contain traces of blood, or if they are frequent after meals, they are probably poorly tolerated.