Reflux in Babies and Its Treatment

Reflux disease, which occurs in about 40% to 60% of babies within the first 6 months after birth, is a condition that manifests with various symptoms and usually resolves between 6-12 months.

The main factors that cause reflux in babies are as follows:

  • Insufficient functional development of the lower esophageal sphincter due to premature birth
  • Birth weight over 4 kg
  • Conditions that cause increased intra-abdominal pressure
  • Delayed stomach emptying
  • Dysfunction in the movement and function of the esophagus
  • Developmental abnormalities of the esophagus (esophageal atresia, fistula, and similar diseases)
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Brain and nervous system disorders

What are the Symptoms of Reflux in Babies?

  • Recurrent regurgitation of food from the stomach to the mouth
  • Refusal to feed
  • Obstruction symptoms due to chest pain
  • Wheezing (stridor) cough
  • Frequent gagging
  • Weight loss or insufficient weight gain
  • Increased irritability during feeding
  • Chewing behavior similar to regurgitation after feeding
  • Tension and arching of the baby’s head and body, pulling back after feeding
  • Choking, flailing, and cyanosis (bluish discoloration) symptoms, especially after feeding

How is Reflux Diagnosed in Babies?

Parental observations are crucial in diagnosing reflux in babies. It is important for parents to observe the symptoms accurately and inform the doctor. If the observations suggest reflux, clinical tests are conducted. If structural abnormalities in the esophagus are suspected, an X-ray of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum with contrast may be performed. However, the most commonly preferred method for diagnosing reflux in babies today is measuring stomach acid using a very thin probe inserted into the esophagus. This probe stays in the esophagus for 24 hours, measuring pH changes. This method is known as 24-hour pH monitoring.

How is Reflux Treated in Babies?

The main goal of treatment for reflux disease is to alleviate current symptoms and prevent the progression of the condition. Treatment methods are planned in three ways: adjusting living conditions and feeding, medical treatment, and surgical treatment. The first treatment method for babies should be adjusting their living conditions and feeding cycle.

  • Ensure that the baby is fed at regular intervals and does not go more than 2 hours without eating.
  • It is recommended that the baby avoid lying down during the first 30 minutes after feeding, or use a reflux pillow to sleep.
  • During the first 6 months, no food other than breast milk should be given, and in later stages, feeding should be planned according to the doctor’s recommendations
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Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

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Gebze

Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

Prof. Nermin Tansuğ

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Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

Assoc. Prof. Neşe Karaaslan Bıyıklı

Gebze Ataşehir

Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

MD. Ayşe Sokullu

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Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

MD. Ebru Gözer

Ataşehir

Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

MD. Güner Esra Kutlu

Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

MD. Hikmet Baydilli

Gebze

Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

MD. İsmail Akkar

Gebze

Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

MD. Mehmet Kılıç

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Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

MD. Namık Kemal Akpınar

Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

MD. Pınar Erdoğan Özgür

Ataşehir

Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

MD. Sevim Gülbaş

Gebze

Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

Prof. Nermin Tansuğ

Gebze Ataşehir

Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

Assoc. Prof. Neşe Karaaslan Bıyıklı

Gebze Ataşehir

Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

MD. Ayşe Sokullu

Gebze Ataşehir

Pediatric Health and Diseases Department

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MD. Namık Kemal Akpınar

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