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There was a time when a crying baby was said to have “colic” – a catchall word for an inconsolable infant. But doctors now know that many of these colicky babies can suffer from a variety of medical ailments, including some that are more common in adults.

All babies spit up occasionally after feeding. But three-month-old Nylah can’t seem to keep a meal down. She’s been fussy and irritable for days. Her pediatrician suggested a different formula, but that hasn’t help. The problem may be GERD – Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease.

“In adults it’s called reflux or heartburn,” says Dr. David Goo, with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, “and it’s the same type of situation – where food is going backwards, up instead of down, in terms of the esophagus to the stomach.”

To confirm his diagnosis, the doctor gives Nylah barium – and then watches on x-rays, as it travels through her stomach and bowels.

“We found that she did have reflux disease,” he says, “and on the barium swallow you can see the barium, which is a contrast, coming up on the x-ray film, up into her throat area – and really showing very significant reflux.”

Reflux can be hard on a baby, and stressful for parents.

“And one of the hard things about this reflux disease,” says Dr. Goo, “is the child cries, and then you feed them – and it makes it worse, because they’re refluxing after they feed.”

Nylah’s pediatrician may recommend medications to reduce stomach acid, or lessen her reflux.

“Many families can do without medications,” says Dr. Goo, “in just elevating the head of the [child’s] bed and thickening the formula, and doing more frequent, smaller feeds – to decrease the amount of reflux.”

What We Need To Know

• Some foods can affect acid production in the stomach, increasing the risk of GERD. To lower that risk, limit your child’s intake of fried and fatty foods – as well as chocolate, peppermint, drinks containing caffeine, citrus, and tomato products. (University of Virginia Health System)
• Don’t let your child lie down or go to bed right after a meal. Serve evening meals early, at least two hours before bedtime. (Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin)
• Smaller, frequent feedings in babies can help your child retain more calories, and encourage retention. (Penn State Children’s Hospital)

Resources

• American College of Gastroenterology
• National Sleep Foundation
• Akron Children’s Hospital

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