What Acid Reflux is?
You might have seen many newborn kids spitting up milk from their mouths. This happens when food from the stomach reach your baby’s food pipe. It is defined as reflux. Acid flux is also known as Gastroesophageal reflux (GER). It is spitting up of stomach elements through throat.
What are the causes of acid reflux?
Almost all babies suffer from some kind of acid reflux because their digestive system is not mature and is not fully developed. The muscle that separates the food pipe from stomach is immature. The food may move into oesophagus or out of it. Acid reflux is different and may be severe in other babies.
Symptoms
These are the most common symptoms; you may look for acid reflux:
- Crying or not being comfortable after having food.
- Coughing regularly
- Vomiting very often
- Stomach pain
- Sour breath, hiccups and breath
- Shows resistance to lay back
- Doesn’t gain weight
- Heartburn
How is baby reflux diagnosed?
These tests will help to diagnose the acid reflux in your baby.
- Blood tests: some doctors will go for a blood test to check the eating habits and what are the issues related to it.
- Ultrasound: This device will create an image of upper GI tract of the baby’s body.
- Ph probe: this includes inserting a tube in the lower part of the food pipe. It will check for the acid level of the baby.
- Barium swallow: a liquid of barium is given to baby to drink. This liquid will help to highlight the abnormalities in an X-ray.
You must always start with home infant acid solutions to solve the problem as they are safe and cheaper.
Here are some baby reflux remedies you can follow:
- Cumin seeds – The cumin seeds help in controlling digestion and solve all the acidity problems. Cumin seeds with water can be given to the babies. Cumin seeds solution can also be given to babies at regular intervals as it will help in regulating the digestive system of the babies and will give them relief from the acid reflux. Repeat this process daily to solve the problem.
2. Castor oil – Castor oil is an anti-oxidant that helps in removing toxic liquids from the body. Castor oil will help in removing the irritating elements from the baby’s body and will provide some relief. Dip a cotton cloth in castor oil and put it on the baby’s tummy. Let the cloth stay for more than hour. Then give your baby bath with warm water. This will help in removing item that creates trouble in your baby’s body.
3. Coconut oil – Coconut oil for acid reflux in babies is the best home remedy and it is easily available. Coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory properties which help in providing relief from the irritation and burning that is caused by acid reflux. Coconut oil also helps in proper functioning of the digestive system by acting as a lubricant. One tablespoon of coconut mixed with warm water should be given to babies to solve the problem.
4. Peppermint – Peppermint contains some properties that help in giving relief to the body. It provides soothing effect to the burning and pain that is caused by reflux. Peppermint should be given to babies as it will help in proper digestion and will also solve the problem of inflammation. This in turn will help in solving the problem of acid reflux.
5. Baking soda – Baking soda is a base and will help in solving the acid reflux problem. Acid reflux is caused due the ph problem in the lower part. Consuming baking soda will help in shifting ph content to a higher side that will reduce the acidic nature in stomach. This makes the functioning of the stomach normal.
6. Probiotics – Reflux can also be caused due to the bad bacterium that is present in gut that causes problems related to digestive and immune system. By consulting a doctor probiotics can be given to a baby. These can be mixed with the milk and can be given to the baby. If your baby is purely dependent on the breastfeed directly, then apply the powder around your nipples which can be consumed by the baby directly.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is another remedy that helps in setting the ph level of your stomach. This will help in removing all the toxic liquids from the body and will provide some relief. You can 2-3 drops of apple cider vinegar in the warm water. This can then be given to the baby which will help in maintaining the ph level.
8. Chamomile – Chamomile tea is well-known for providing relief from the gastric problems and helps in getting a good sleep. Chamomile helps in solving the acid reflux problem. You can mix the chamomile flower in warm water. This water will help in maintaining the immune and digestive system. This should be given to babies daily to solve the problem at a faster rate.
9. Sleeping practices – Small changes can also be made in sleeping pattern of the baby that will surely give an excellent result. These small things will contribute towards solving the acid reflux problem. While sleeping if the problem of acid reflux remains, give an elevation of around 30 degrees to the upper part of the body to ensure that food stays in stomach and prevents baby from spitting up.
10. Motion exercises – When babies lie in an improper position it leads to the digestive problems. Motion-oriented exercises will help in solving the acid reflux as they will regulate the digestive system and will also take care that there is no acidity in the stomach. Let your child lay down flat and move his legs as if he is riding a bicycle. This will improve the digestion of the baby.
The problem of the acid reflux can be solved easily. These methods will surely your baby and will give him relief.
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