Infant acid reflux

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Infant acid reflux, more accurately known as gastroesophageal reflux, is a very common problem. Infant acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach go back up into the esophagus.

Although infant acid reflux most often occurs after a feeding, it can happen anytime your baby coughs, cries or strains. Most babies who have infant acid reflux are healthy.

Infant acid reflux typically resolves on its own when your baby is around 12 to 18 months old. In the meantime, changes in feeding technique — such as smaller, more frequent feedings, changing position or interrupting feedings to burp — can help keep reflux under control. In a few cases, medication or other treatments may be recommended.

References
  1. Tighe MP, et al. Managing gastro-oesophageal reflux in infancy. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 2010;95:243.
  2. Gastroesophageal reflux in infants. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerdinfant/gerdinfant.pdf. Accessed June 22, 2010.
  3. Winter HS. Gastroesophageal reflux in infants. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 22, 2010.
  4. Vandenplas Y, et al. Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux clinical practice guidelines: Joint recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2009;49:498.
  5. Sondheimer JM, et al. Gastrointestinal tract. In: Hay WW, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.; McGraw-Hill: 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3403837. Accessed June 18, 2010.
  6. Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 24, 2010.
  7. FDA Drug Safety Communication: Possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist and spine with the use of proton pump inhibitors. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm213206.htm. Accessed August 4, 2010.
DS00787 Aug. 21, 2010

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