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Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux or GER, is common in babies. In adults, it is called heartburn and is often triggered by particular foods. In babies, however, it is just the process of the body getting used to digesting food.
Features
Acid reflux occurs when the stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus or the mouth. Babies respond to acid reflux by spitting up.
Time Frame
Acid reflux lessens as babies grow; it is usually worst in the first 3 months and stops affecting children at around 18 to 24 months of age.
Prevention
One way to avoid acid reflux in babies is to keep them upright after feeding them. This lessens the chances of the backward flow of food being able to read the esophagus.
Prevention
Acid reflux is more likely to occur after overeating. Changing your baby's feeding schedule to include many small meals may prevent the reflux.
Considerations
If your baby is constantly uncomfortable, having difficulty eating and sleeping and/or isn't growing properly, medicine may be recommended. These medicines, known as H2 blockers, are given in liquid form to babies. They include Tagament, Axid, Pepcid and Zantac.
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