| Gastroesophageal reflux (or "acid reflux" or | | | | widely acclaimed favorite in drinkable form that |
| "heartburn") occurs when stomach and food acid | | | | may cause some burping but quickly extinguishes |
| reverses from the stomach back into the | | | | the stomach sickness and chest pains. Proton |
| esophagus. Typically the Lower Esophageal | | | | Pump Inhibitors like Prilosec or Nexium are said to |
| Sphincter (LES) acts as a valve and keeps food | | | | work best by suppressing excessive acid |
| on its way down after you swallow. Reflux in | | | | production during those big holiday meals. |
| infants is comprehensive because a baby's LES is | | | | Histamine 2-Receptor Antagonists like Pepcid AC |
| still weak, as the necessary muscles haven't | | | | or Zantac reduce the amount of acid in the |
| strengthened yet. Symptoms of acid reflux for | | | | stomach to help people with severe heartburn |
| adults include a burning sensation in the chest and | | | | symptoms. |
| throat or a bitter, puke-like flavor in the mouth. | | | | In the next link you may find a great product to |
| Some people with repeated symptoms of acid | | | | stop your acid reflux right now: Stop your acid |
| reflux may cause an over-abundance of stomach | | | | reflux |
| acid that spills over out of the stomach. | | | | One last thing about infant reflux. While more than |
| There are two types of heartburn - upright | | | | half of all babies experience infant reflux in their |
| reflux, where patients are awake with noticeable | | | | first few months of life, the condition usually |
| discomfort, and supine reflux, which is more | | | | resolves itself within 12 to 18 months. Often times |
| frequent in women and occurs when patients are | | | | reflux symptoms are similar to colic or the |
| asleep. Nighttime GERD affects near 10% of | | | | average infant fussiness. Here are some basic |
| Americans, according to a study done by | | | | guidelines to answer the questions, as to how to |
| Dynogen Pharmaceuticals. In a separate study | | | | tell if reflux is the culprit and what you can do. |
| (conducted at the Southern Arizona VA Health | | | | Babies spit up… a lot. This happens |
| Care System in Tucson), nearly three-fourths of | | | | because the lower esophageal sphincter (the |
| the patients with chronic gerd symptoms also | | | | valve that closes the throat) isn't fully developed |
| suffered sleeping symptoms such as coughing, | | | | yet and the soft tissue allows for liquid to come |
| snoring, and chest pain. | | | | back up just as easy as it went down. Generally, |
| "Nighttime GERD affects a large number of | | | | as the child ages this will be less of a problem, |
| patients, and the impact on sleep and quality of | | | | although it's possible that he or she may have |
| life should not be underestimated," commented | | | | infant reflux. |
| study leader Dr. Fass, who hopes to find more | | | | Aside from being kind of gross, infant reflux can |
| effective cures for supine reflux. Studies show | | | | be a sign of GERD (a severe version of reflux |
| that esophagus damage can occur with too much | | | | resulting in awful pain, vomiting and poor weight |
| exposure to acid. | | | | gain) or Pyloric Stenosis (a rare condition where a |
| So how can you tell GERD / acid reflux | | | | narrowed valve prevents stomach contents from |
| symptoms from other similar ailments? More than | | | | emptying properly into the intestines). You should |
| half of the people who suffer chronic acid reflux | | | | seek medical advice if your baby resists feeding |
| also have dyspepsia, a condition where they feel | | | | but seems hungry, isn't gaining weight, has fewer |
| nauseous, disgustingly full and suffer abdomen pain | | | | wet diapers than normal and seems lethargic, |
| after eating. Dyspepsia is not necessarily a telltale | | | | spits up forcefully, spits up green or brown fluid, |
| sign of GERD. | | | | or spits up more than a few tablespoons at a |
| If you can't fathom giving up any of your favorite | | | | time. If your baby sounds hoarse all the time, has |
| foods, your doctor may recommend heartburn | | | | diarrhea or difficulty breathing, then definitely ask |
| medication to help you combat the immediate | | | | your doctor about infant reflux. |
| symptoms of acid reflux. Most of these products | | | | Now that you know the triggers and treatments |
| can be purchased over-the-counter, but some | | | | for acid reflux, you won't have to dread that |
| variants are doctor-prescribed. For mild | | | | extra drumstick this holiday season. Just |
| symptoms, calcium carbonate antacids like Tums, | | | | remember not to lay down or lift things right |
| Rolaids or Maalox binds to and neutralizes acid for | | | | after eating. Keep antacids on hand for |
| quick relief. The effervescent Alkaseltzer is a | | | | emergencies and avoid that extra spicy treat. |