Reflux is a condition that most babies will experience, usually beginning before they are 8 weeks old.
Reflux occurs when food from a child’s stomach returns to their pesophagus, leading to them spitting up or vomiting.
Usually, this is harmless and generally reflux in infancy disappears on its own without formal treatment. However, there are some instances when changes to the condition occur and it’s important to be aware of when symptoms change or worsen.
We have further information and details on our acid reflux test page, which provides helpful resources and advice on symptoms and treatments.
What is silent reflux in infants?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux is where infants will experience occasional episodes of acid reflux.
This would be considered mild and relatively harmless.
Reflux in babies will typically start before they are eight weeks old and subsides before they turn one.
Acid reflux will result in babies spitting up or in more severe cases being sick, however, the symptoms of silent reflux are harder to spot as babies may not spit up and instead swallow the contents back down.
As a parent, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the types of reflux, and it is always recommended that you speak to your paediatrician/GP for further advice if you have concerns.
What causes silent reflux?
Reflux in babies is very common, with over half of children up to 3 months of age showing signs of reflux.
Reflux in newborns often occurs because their digestive tract is not fully mature yet, so food and milk can travel back up the oesophagus (food pipe).
As babies grow and develop, so do their bodies; hence, we usually find that acid reflux goes away on its own accord before a child’s first birthday as their digestive system naturally develops and they spend more time sitting upright.
However, there are occasions when infant silent reflux can be more serious, affecting children’s ability to take in enough nutrients to help them continue with their development.
Signs of acid reflux in babies
The most common indication of acid reflux in babies is spitting up, where their stomach contents easily flow out of their mouth. These are only small amounts, and there is no real
discomfort.
However, when babies are struggling with silent reflux, they may not show any obvious symptoms such as spitting up or vomiting. They tend to swallow it back down, meaning symptoms aren’t as obvious.
Other symptoms of silent reflux to look out for include:
- Refusing to eat or drink from the bottle
- Coughing or gagging during a feed
- Feeding takes longer than normal
- Arching their back or turning their head away during a feed
- Swallowing or gulping after winding and feeding
- Frequent ear infections
- Crying or not settling
- Discomfort and irritability after a feed
Check out our post on `why silent reflux can be misdiagnosed` for further information and advice.
In more severe cases, reflux will cause vomiting, which involves muscle contractions that force out the contents of the stomach. There will also be more obvious signs of discomfort, such as crying.
Other symptoms to be aware of that could indicate a more serious condition (GORD) and require a gastric reflux test include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Blood in their vomit
- Poor weight gain
- Chronic coughing or wheezing
- Noisy breathing/hoarseness
We recommend that you speak with your GP if vomiting or spitting up starts after six months of age.
Diagnosis
Children will require closer monitoring if symptoms of acid reflux are apparent and continue.
At Functional Gut, our specialists will review all medical history, conditions, and symptoms, carry out a thorough examination, and look to carry out general acid reflux tests if appropriate and relevant.
In more severe situations, an endoscopy may be requested to look at the upper digestive tract. Alternatively, a GI series may be requested to take pictures of the child’s oesophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine, or an x-ray to accompany a pH impedance study.
Treatment
After proper diagnosis, appropriate and tailored treatment solutions can be prescribed.
These can include:
- Changes to feeding routines and taking breaks during feeding.
- Regular winding to remove excess gas.
- Keeping babies upright 30 minutes after they’ve eaten, and keeping their heads higher than their bottom during feeding.
- Thickened feeds – it may be recommended that you add a particular substance to your baby’s milk to make it slightly thicker to prevent gulping.
- Eliminating cow’s milk to see if symptoms of reflux improve and if it could be linked to a dairy intolerance.
- Medication for those diagnosed with GORD (gastro-oesophageal disease).
Infant Silent Reflux
Silent reflux in babies can be a phase that they go through. However, it is always best to ask for a second opinion and advice if you have any concerns.
Feeding assessments and testing for reflux are essential, and our specialists use their experience, knowledge, and friendly demeanour to support the diagnosis and treatment of reflux in newborns.
If you would like to find out more contact us today and see how we can help you.
Disclaimer: It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional/paediatrician for a complete diagnosis and infant treatment plan. If you have concerns over your baby’s reflux please speak to your GP.