As a parent, seeing your little bundle of joy suffer from acid reflux can be distressing. Infants who experience this condition are often fussy and uncomfortable due to the stomach's contents flowing back into their esophagus. Although it is common for developing infants, it doesn't mean that you have to endure this problem forever. Read on as we discuss when infant acid reflux goes away.
What Is Infant Acid Reflux?
Infant acid reflux is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder among babies under six months old. The condition occurs when the soft ring of muscle between the baby's stomach and esophagus is underdeveloped or weak, making it easier for food and digestive acids to move back up through the sphincter into the throat.
Most infants will suffer from minor stomach upset with symptoms like arching their backs after feeding or spitting up formula occasionally during regular burping sessions - but if you see frequent vomiting, persistent stool changes (such as diarrhea), blood in vomit or stools please consult your pediatrician immediately.
On average 50% of all baby spit ups amount to two tablespoons per day close within an hour; However some still experience severe regurgitation where parental mindfulness should be turned on.
When Should You Worry About Infant Acid Reflux?
While infant acid reflux isn’t usually serious unless accompanied by other complications such as failure-to-thrive or poor weight gain signs. Parents might want doublecheck they're not missing any (w.e.i.r.d) signs:
- Fussiness after feedings
- Explosive bowel movements
- Consistent night waking
- Moderate coughs
- Irritative gags/choking sounds representing aspiration Nonetheless most cases really do resolve independently by 6 month-old babies take shortcuts just about everywhere
How Long Does Infant Reflux Last?
The good news is, Infant Reflux usually disappears around 6-12 months of age due in part to naturally normalized processes where intestinal movement and sphincter development strengthen. The more independent feeding patterns infants adopt the less acid reflux they’ll undergo.
However all babies grow at their pace hence some will experience this condition a bit longer so it’s better not to fret if your tiny tot doesn't feel well till about 18months old along with there being a small group continuing until Toddlerhood too though these are rarer cases often having underlying causes such as Pyloric Stenosis or GERD
Treatment options for Infant Acid Reflux:
Although infant reflux can be managed via providing relief through monitoring feeding frequency, reducing meal sizes taking breaks between feeds and even raising up baby during night sleep (with further guidance from treating physicians), treatment comes mainly from pediatrician-prescribed medications like Hydrochloric Acid blockades (H2 blockers) that decreases gastric secretion.
On another note/tangential; please avoid using over-the-counter antacids designed for adults without consulting with medical professionals since products intended for adults may have adverse effects on a young child's developing digestive system.
If regurgitating continues beyond one year old despite assisting interventions prescribed by doctors surgical procedures like fundoplication may be explored guarding our little ones' proper development while following advices given by reliable practitioners
Conclusion:
In conclusion then although sometimes new parents become overwhelmed quickly believing minor stomach disturbance occurring within the first six months isn’t critical most children do overcome during customary developmental phases, soothing can help tide them over or speed recovery coupled with time being key player important to consult any reputable/verified practitioner should earlier mentioned symptoms rapidly manifest - also we firmly suggest avoiding self-medication in toddlers unless authorized by certified health care providers who examine closely before making informed decisions towards curing ailments.
Remember: Patience is Key & You're Doing Great!