Treatment of Reflux in Babies

Acid reflux in infants causes a burning sensation when stomach acid travels up to the esophagus. This may cause irritability and frequent spitting up. Treatment of reflux in babies may consist of one or a combination of treatments to provide comfort.

  1. Medications

    • Medications may be prescribed by the pediatrician and with special preparation by a pharmacist to manage reflux symptoms. Pepcid, Prilosec, Tagamet and Zantac are the most common prescribed medications.

    Elevation

    • Keeping an infant elevated for 30 minutes is recommended for reflux treatment in babies. Elevation helps prevent stomach acids from entering the esophagus.

    Diet Changes

    • Breast milk is recommended, as it is easier for an infant to digest. Infant formulas containing rice starch may be recommended due to the thicker consistency, which may aid in easier digestion. If an intolerance to a milk protein is suspected, a soy-based formula may be recommended.

    Sleep Assistance Aids

    • Though placing an infant on the back to sleep is recommended in the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), this may pose a problem for infants with acid reflux. Sleep assistance aids may be used to elevate the infant during sleep in treating babies with reflux. Sleep assistance aids help in the treatment of acid reflux, allowing the infant to sleep on the back.

    Time Frame

    • Medications may be used for the short term to eliminate symptoms until dietary changes have been made, or may be used long term if chronic symptoms of reflux persist. Improvement is generally noticed within one to two weeks after making diet changes. Reflux generally resolves itself within the infant's first year.

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