Spitting up food is the most common infant acid reflux symptom. Spit up caused by infant acid reflux is such a common occurrence that most people don't associate baby spitting up with a medical condition.
While spitting up is very common, and not usually cause for alarm, it does indicate the presence of infant acid reflux. For the majority of babies infant acid reflux symptoms cause no adverse effects, and the condition resolves itself with time. For a small percent of infants, infant acid influx symptoms indicate a more serious medical condition, such as baby GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Spitting Up
Spit up is the classic symptom of infant acid influx. During or after feeding are the most common times for spitting up, but are hardly the only times. Babies with infant acid reflux can spit up while crying. They can spit up while laughing. Straining to pass a bowel movement can also result in spitting up. Coughing is another opportunity for spit up.
Most babies remain blissfully oblivious during all of this gooey, slimy spit up. A babycan be covered with spit up and remain happy and giggly. Discomfort, distress, or pain while spitting up indicates more serious infant acid reflux, and should be reported to the baby's doctor.
Irritability and Colic
Spitting up is often accompanied by other infant acid reflux symptoms. Irritability while feeding is a common symptom, often accompanied by poor feedings.
Sudden crying, obvious pain, and colic-like symptoms are not normal infant aid reflux symptoms, and should be reported to the baby's doctor as soon as possible.
Infant Acid Reflux Symptoms and Baby GERD
Certain infant acid reflux symptoms indicate the possibility of more serious conditions, such as baby GERD. While spitting up is harmless, spit up that is green or brown is definitely not normal for a breastfeeding infant. Spit up that contains blood indicates an immediate need for a medical examination.
Copious amounts of spit up (two or more teaspoons at a time) is not normal. Another warning sign is "projectile" spit up: spit up that flies out of the baby's mouth and travels some distance.
Other infant acid reflux symptoms that require a visit to the doctor include:
- anemia
- bad breath
- colic symptoms seen with reflux
- damage to dental enamel
- difficulty swallowing
- ear infections
- eating constantly
- excessive drooling
- hoarseness
- neck arching after eating
- poor sleep habits
- refusing to eat
- sinus infections or congestion
- sleep apnea
- unusual fatigue
- weight loss.
These symptoms suggest spitting has causes other than infant acid reflux, and it's recommended that the baby be evaluated by a medical professional
Read more About Infant Acid Reflux:
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
