Infant Reflux
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Here are some key things to look out for in children. Note, they donīt always have to have all these symptoms to be diagnosed as having reflux, for example an infant with silent reflux may not vomit:
- Spitting up or vomiting, up to 3 hrs after a feed or eating (this is not always the case)
- symptoms of colic
- constant or sudden crying
- poor sleeping (waking frequently)
- being irritable and/or in pain
- hiccups or wet burps
- arching their backs during or even after a feed
- running noses
- smelly unsoiled nappies.
With more persistent reflux the following symptoms may also be present:
- Recurrent sinus and ear infections.
- Weight loss or failing to gain weight (FTT also known as faltering growth)
- Excessive salivation, (drooling or dribbling)
- Refusing food, or only accepting small amounts even though they appear to be hungry.
- Also the opposite and consuming only small meals or liquids, but constantly.
- Swallowing problems (coughing & gagging).
- Putting fingers or fist in their mouth to make themselves gag.
- Chronic horse voice.
- Bad breath.
- sandifer's Syndrome (neck arching)
- respiratory problems;
(recurrent chest infections, pneumonia, wheezing, asthma, bronchitis, night time cough,
noisy or more noticeable breathing)
- anemia
- sore throats
- tooth enamel decay
- apnea episodes
Older children may also in addition complain of:
- chest pain
- stomach ache
- nausea
There are some simple things you can do to help alleviate symptoms of infant reflux, follow this link to find out how!
Written by Tracey (Chairman)
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