For babies, the slightest health problems can trigger worries. One of them is the baby often vomits. Pay attention to the possibility of this as a symptom of stomach acid disorders in infants.
Babies often vomit is a common thing, especially after feeding. Most do not require any action. However, if the baby vomits accompanied by fussiness, shortness of breath, often vomits so that his growth is disrupted, or makes his weight not increase, there is a possibility that your little one has stomach acid disorders.
Stomach Acid Reflux Causes Babies to Often Vomit
If the baby often vomits, especially after every meal, this needs to be explored further. Babies have the possibility of having stomach acid disease or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Reflux occurs when the muscle loop between the esophagus and the stomach does not function optimally, so stomach acid and food from the stomach back up into the esophagus. Generally, this occurs because the function of the ring of muscle that functions like a valve in the lower esophagus of the baby is not yet perfect. The good news, the valve will usually function perfectly from the age of 4-5 months to the age of one year. At that time, the vomiting experienced by the baby will stop. Babies experiencing reflux can also be caused by the size of the stomach which is still small, so it is easy to fill up.
In addition to the baby often spitting up or vomiting, some other symptoms that accompany GERD in infants include:
- Stomach ache.
- Pain or stinging in the throat and chest. So often refuse to breastfeed or eat.
- Crying during or after feeding or being fed.
- Lots of drooling.
- Frequent coughing or coughing that lasts for quite a long time.
- Respiratory problems such as choking, coughing, wheezing or wheezing, and shortness of breath. If left untreated, this respiratory disorder can lead to pneumonia.
- Impaired growth and development, this is because the baby does not get enough nutrients needed.
- Colic in babies.
Overcoming Stomach Acid in Babies
It is important to immediately consult a pediatrician for a baby who often vomits accompanied by symptoms of GERD. To determine the diagnosis, the doctor will ask for information from the parents and look at the baby's health record and perform a physical examination on the baby. There is also the possibility that the doctor may perform a series of additional tests to confirm GERD conditions, such as an upper GI endoscopy or an abdominal X-ray examination accompanied by GERD. barium swallow.
Generally, doctors will give drugs that will reduce gas in the stomach, as well as drugs that will reduce stomach acid levels. However, some studies suggest that it is possible that the use of acid-lowering drugs may not completely reduce the occurrence of reflux in infants. Giving drugs must be very careful in infants, because there is the possibility of side effects.
In addition to drugs, in some cases surgery may be needed to treat GERD. This procedure is considered effective but is rarely done, because it considers the risks to the baby.
Preventing Stomach Acid Rise in Babies
To help prevent your baby from vomiting frequently because of GERD, it's a good idea to try a few things that can help your baby feel comfortable. For example, giving an extra pillow on the head and adjusting the eating schedule. Mothers can also hold the baby in an upright position about 30 minutes after feeding or eating. Make sure there is no excessive pressure around the abdomen during this time. In addition, try to burp the baby after every feeding or eating.
Other actions that can be taken such as thickening the milk given by adding cereal, or for babies who can already eat solid foods, can be given denser textured foods. But this action should not be done carelessly, because it must be with the doctor's approval.
Babies often vomit should be observed if it occurs excessively or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting accompanied by blood, or if the baby vomits frequently causing him to become dehydrated. Consult a pediatrician to get the best treatment.
