Symptoms of Acid
Reflux in Infants
GER is common in infants and has its
own name -- spitting up. Reflux occurs
during the first three months of age in more
than half of all infants. Many babies don't
require treatment. Referred to as "happy
spitters," their symptoms usually disappear
between 12 and 18 months of age. However,
for a small number of babies, symptoms of
reflux are severe, and medical evaluation
and treatment is needed.
Common infant GER symptoms are:
-
Frequent spitting up or vomiting
-
Irritability when feeding
-
Refusing food or eating only small amounts
-
Sudden or constant crying
-
Arching the back while feeding
-
"Wet" burps
-
Frequent hiccups
-
Frequent coughing
-
Poor sleep habits with frequent waking
-
Bad breath
A small number of infants will experience
the following less common symptoms:
-
Difficulty swallowing
-
Frequent sore throat
-
Weight loss or poor weight gain
-
Respiratory problems
(such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis,
wheezing)
-
Frequent ear or sinus infections
-
Excessive drooling
-
Hoarse voice
-
Spells of not breathing
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