Amy D. McBee, MD
Neonatology/Perinatology
Central Ohio Newborn Medicine, Inc.
285 E. State Street, Ste 250
Columbus, OH 43215
Tel: (614) 566-9683
Fax: (614) 566-8046

Q: My baby has acid reflux. What can I do? 

A:  Acid reflux, also known as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a common occurrence in babies. A baby's stomach is quite small, and the distance from the stomach to the mouth is short. The stomach moves milk and other foods into the intestines by contracting. These contractions also frequently cause the stomach contents to move up the esophagus toward the mouth as well, which is known as reflux. You may have heard babies with reflux described as "spitty" babies.

Most reflux doesn't cause any problems for the babies and tends to be outgrown over the first six months to one year of life. As babies grow, the esophagus lengthens and the muscle between the esophgus and stomach becomes better developed, which cuts down on the reflux symptoms. As long as babies are gaining weight and growing well and the refluxing does not cause pain or exesssive irritability, it usually does not need to be treated with medicine. Giving more frequent smaller feedings or keeping babies upright for approximately 30 minutes after feedings may help decrease reflux symptoms.

In more severe cases, discussion with your pediatrician may lead to additional treatments, including medicines to decrease acidity of stomach contents or to help the intestines move food through more rapidly Some pediatricians will also recommend thickening feedings to help weigh them down in the stomach and make them less likely to be refluxed up the esophagus. Very severe cases of reflux may be referred to gastrointestinal specialists or pediatric surgeons for further evaluation and treatment.