Acid reflux in newborns is quite a common presentation bothering the nursing mother. It usually presents as spitting up the gastric contents and food particles usually after feeds or even without it. Most of the mothers even do not notice them. It may also occur after sneezing and coughing of the child.

It is usually difficult for parents to differentiate between acid reflux in newborn and other gastrointestinal problems. So it is always better to consult pediatrician if excessive spitting of child is the case. The basic mechanism of gastro esophageal reflux in newborn is explained below:

The throat of human body is connected to stomach with a long tube know as esophagus. At the end of esophagus there is a sphincter or a ring which opens during feeds and is otherwise closed. Occasionally after feeds to remove gas from stomach this rings opens and sometimes gastric acid or contents come out of the stomach with it. When they reach the throat spitting and burning occurs which may result even in infantile colic.

Acid reflux may be normal in newborns of six to eight months but if this condition prolongs then you must consult a pediatrician. Common symptoms of acid reflux are decreased sleep, weight loss, infantile colic, decreased appetite, swallowing problems and spitting while burping. The symptoms usually resolve with growing age.

Certain measures are taken for managing acid reflux in newborns and the best measure is the use of gripe water. Actually gripe water contains sodium bicarbonate which decreases the acidity of stomach. Another ingredient of gripe water is fennel which decreases indigestion. Other contents of gripe water are also helpful in soothing the gastrointestinal tract and thus help relieving acid reflux.

Other measures for decreasing acid reflux in newborn are:

• Breast feeding
• Proper positioning while feeding
• Proper positioning while sleeping
• Regular feeding intervals
• Proper burping