Some information on Baby Reflux
Reposted from my Wordpress Blog
The following information has been supplied by the Reflux Infants Support Association NSW
What is reflux?
Gastro-oesophageal Reflux (reflux) is the spontaneous passage of part or all of the stomach contents (comprising food and stomach acid) into the oesophagus. The child may experience symptoms such as regurgitation, posseting and projectile vomiting. Sometimes it doesn’t come all the way out of their mouths, and the child may not vomit at all. This is termed “silent reflux”.
Community perceptions are generally that reflux is a common complaint that babies ‘get over’. While in most cases this is true, children can experience a wide range of symptoms, some quite severe, resulting in complications, and occasionally surgery. Symptoms of reflux, such as refusal to feed or prolonged bouts of screaming can be overwhelming.
Unfortunately, reflux has been associated with child abuse and Shaken Baby Syndrome. Even when a baby is suffering from relatively uncomplicated reflux, families often need reassurance and assistance.
Silent reflux can be very confusing there may be no obvious signs of reflux (such as vomiting) and the child generally isn’t ‘silent’. Silent reflux refers to refluxed material that goes up the oesophagus, but isn’t forced out of the mouth. The child may swallow it back down or the stomach contents/stomach acids may not come up the oesophagus far enough to be swallowed. This can be very distressing for the baby and cause problems; and can be even more damaging because it can sit in the oesophagus longer than if the child vomited. Medical intervention may be necessary because the same complications can arise, however it can be harder to recognise without any noticeable vomiting.
What RISA Offers
RISA Inc offers a wide and varied range of services to support families who have babies or children who suffer from gastro-oesophageal reflux. Check their website or contact them for more information.
Marilyn
P.S. One of my daughter’s son suffered from reflux a lot. She found baby massage to be a significant help.
