Acid Reflux in Infants

Treating Indigestion in Infants - Colic - What is it?

Indigestion never something fun to experience, no matter waht the age. Did you ever stop to think how painful it must be for an infant?

Infant indigestion, is painful for all concerned - painful on the child, and probably more painful for the people and family around that child. Indigestion in infants, gastroesophageal reflux, and infant colic, are very misunderstood of conditions.

Colic, has been termed as “crying”, “fussiness”, and yes, indigestion. There doesn't seem to be a single definition for colic; we do know that the child is in extreme discomfort, and the discomfort appears very much linked to their digestive process. Pain, and the causes may be different for each child. In general, colic starts when a baby is roughly six weeks old and lasts until they reach three or four months. Only a small amount of colic cases endure beyond six months.

What are the symptoms of Infant Acid Reflux?

Just like colic is characterized by crying that appears inconsolable and unstoppable. A mother's try every means possible to get the child to calm down, but for whatever reason, the infant doesn't stop. The child seems as if they are in constant pain.

When a colicky baby cries, sudden spasmodic abdominal cramping will occur, and they will automatically draw up their knees, clench their fists, and turn red in the face. The entire body tenses up, and it is easy to see at a glance - the child is in agony.

The crying, often in the form of a high-pitch scream definaelty lets you know something is wrong. As the baby cries, they begin to suck in more air, which builds up gas in the stomach and makes things more intense.

Infant indigestion often hits in the late afternoon, and into the evening. A bout can last for hours, which can push any adult's mental capacity. Most cases report that the malady strikes at regular time periods – for example, a child may become colicky at 5 pm each day, without fail. This little piece of information should help you prepare for what may be an emotional ordeal.

What are the causes?

Some medical professionals believe colic is a type of allergic reaction. Most agree it is at least partly due to the child’s dietary habits. Overfeeding or underfeeding can be enough of a reason for indigestion and acid reflux in infants to strike.

Bottle-fed babies also seem to be at a higher risk than breastfed babies. As with indigestion in adults, stress may play an important role in infant indigestion. Parents and caretakers must take infinite pains to provide an environment that is free from unnecessary jitters, or nervousness. In one way or another, the baby seems to pick up on an atmosphere like this, and it upsets his/her stomach.