Gastroesophageal reflux in infants
Alternate Names : Reflux - infants
Treatment
If your baby has reflux problems, hold the baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding. Raise the head of the crib, if possible. When the infant begins to eat solid food, thickened foods may help. Sometimes medicines are used to reduce acid or increase the movement of the intestines.
Prognosis (Expectations)
The majority of infants outgrow this condition. In unusual cases, reflux may persist into childhood and can cause varying degrees of esophageal damage.
Complications
- Aspiration pneumonia caused by stomach contents passing into the lungs
- Irritation and swelling of the esophagus
- Scarring and narrowing of the esophagus
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if your baby is vomiting frequently, especially if the vomiting is forceful or if other symptoms of reflux occur.
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