Gastro-oesophageal Reflux (GOR)
Gastro-oesophageal reflux (“reflux”) is common in the first year of life particularly in preterm infants. Reflux occurs when the muscle at the opening of the stomach stays open after feeding letting food and stomach acid go back up the food pipe. Sometimes it is called acid reflux. When reflux occurs frequently or is associated with additional symptoms it is termed complicated reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Signs your baby has GORD include:
- spits up frequently
- has trouble breathing during or after feedings
- is often fussy during or after feedings
- eats very little
- arches his/her back during feedings
- refuses to eat after a few good sucks
- loses weight or does not gain weight
Talk to your doctor if your baby shows these signs. Some babies can have some or all of the above symptoms but may not spit up frequently and are said to have silent reflux.
Reflux is usually diagnosed clinically but sometimes your doctor may want to investigate further in more severe cases. Infants with uncomplicated reflux do not require specific treatment but your doctor may recommend to keep your baby upright for about 20 minutes after a feed and to elevate the head of the cot. In GORD your doctor may recommend medication to reduce the amount of stomach acid.
Most babies will outgrow reflux within their first year of life.