Babies Have Reflux? Really?
Reflux is the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus, most adults call this, "heartburn".
My son was diagnosed with infant reflux when he began spitting up large amounts of milk after every feeding.
Prior to the diagnoses my son was gaining weight appropriately due to feedings every two hours and the use of some helpful tips that his doctor passed along.
The late night crying, strange squirming after every feeding and the excessive spit up caused me to question the idea that extended periods of crying are due to colic.
His doctor ordered a barium swallow, for this procedure the Radiologist straps the baby onto a narrow board, arms up and scan his intestine, stomach and esophagus while feeding the infant a white liquid (barium).
During the test the liquid flowed back up the esophagus, just as his doctor suspected.
The doctor prescribed liquid Zantac and the spit ups subsided along with the bouts of late night fussiness and crying.
I could not imagine how irritated my 1 month old must have been dealing with acid reflux.
Caring for a preemie requires patience and attention to detail but most importantly, lots of love.
Never assume anything because your child could be experiencing serious pain.
My son was diagnosed with infant reflux when he began spitting up large amounts of milk after every feeding.
Prior to the diagnoses my son was gaining weight appropriately due to feedings every two hours and the use of some helpful tips that his doctor passed along.
The late night crying, strange squirming after every feeding and the excessive spit up caused me to question the idea that extended periods of crying are due to colic.
His doctor ordered a barium swallow, for this procedure the Radiologist straps the baby onto a narrow board, arms up and scan his intestine, stomach and esophagus while feeding the infant a white liquid (barium).
During the test the liquid flowed back up the esophagus, just as his doctor suspected.
The doctor prescribed liquid Zantac and the spit ups subsided along with the bouts of late night fussiness and crying.
I could not imagine how irritated my 1 month old must have been dealing with acid reflux.
Caring for a preemie requires patience and attention to detail but most importantly, lots of love.
Never assume anything because your child could be experiencing serious pain.
- If your baby receives the barium swallow, be sure to provide plenty of fluids (breast-milk or formula) after the procedure as barium will constipate infants.
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