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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Acid Reflux The Reason For Infant To Refuse Solid Food?

My 8 month old is recently refusing solids and drinking only about 20oz of formula per day. He has always been a spitter-upper but seemed to be gaining weight so we didn't think too much of it. Now my pediatrictian thinks it might be a result of acid reflux? What should we do? I am so worried that he is not eating enough.
Wed, 15 Jan 2014
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Pediatrician 's  Response
Hi

Usually spitting is seen in the initial few months after birth and peaks at 4 months after which it slowly comes down.

As you already know, if the baby is gaining weight and there are no other symptoms like recurrent cough etc, one need not treat it.

Due to recurrent spitting, inflammation of the esophagus can happen due to which your baby is refusing food. You may try a course of antacids/ acid suppressants after discussion with your Pediatrician.

Also after feeding, he has to be kept in upright position for atleast 30 to 45 min. Do not rock him after feeds. When he sleeps you can elevate the head end of the bed by placing a pillow below the mattress in the head end. Use of pillow normally will not help.
After he starts eating well, try to give him more of semisolids than liquids to reduce the reflux.

If his growth parameters like weight/ length are appropriate for his age, you need not worry. If they are compromised, he will need medications for a longer time.

Hope this answers your query.
Best wishes.
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Is Acid Reflux The Reason For Infant To Refuse Solid Food?

Hi Usually spitting is seen in the initial few months after birth and peaks at 4 months after which it slowly comes down. As you already know, if the baby is gaining weight and there are no other symptoms like recurrent cough etc, one need not treat it. Due to recurrent spitting, inflammation of the esophagus can happen due to which your baby is refusing food. You may try a course of antacids/ acid suppressants after discussion with your Pediatrician. Also after feeding, he has to be kept in upright position for atleast 30 to 45 min. Do not rock him after feeds. When he sleeps you can elevate the head end of the bed by placing a pillow below the mattress in the head end. Use of pillow normally will not help. After he starts eating well, try to give him more of semisolids than liquids to reduce the reflux. If his growth parameters like weight/ length are appropriate for his age, you need not worry. If they are compromised, he will need medications for a longer time. Hope this answers your query. Best wishes.