Reflux In Newborns: How Long Does It Last?

how long does reflux last in newborns

Reflux in newborns is a common occurrence, with more than half of all babies experiencing it to some degree. It usually starts within the first two weeks of life and peaks at around four to six months. The good news is that reflux typically resolves on its own by the time a baby is 12 to 18 months old. However, in some cases, it can last longer, and if reflux persists beyond this age or is accompanied by certain symptoms, it may indicate a more severe condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Characteristics Values
How long does reflux last? Reflux usually starts before a baby is 8 weeks old and gets better by the time they're 1. Most infants outgrow reflux by 12 to 18 months of age.
How common is reflux in newborns? Reflux is very common in babies. More than half of all babies will have some level of reflux.
What causes reflux? Reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter muscle does not close tightly after liquids enter the stomach, allowing stomach contents to travel back up toward the esophagus.
What are the symptoms of reflux? Spitting up, irritability after feeding, frequent burping, coughing or hiccupping when feeding, crying and not settling, not gaining weight, forceful spit-up or projectile vomit, difficulty breathing, gagging or choking during feedings, arching the back during feedings, colic, feeding refusal, difficulty sleeping, frequent lung infections, chest pain or heartburn.
What is GERD? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious and long-lasting type of reflux. Babies may have GERD if their symptoms prevent them from feeding or if the reflux lasts more than 12 to 14 months.
How common is GERD in infants? GERD is common in younger infants, with many 4-month-olds having it. By their first birthday, only 10% of babies still have GERD.
What are the symptoms of GERD? Arching of the back, often during or right after eating, colic, gagging or trouble swallowing, irritability (especially after eating), feeding refusal, poor weight gain or weight loss, wheezing or trouble breathing, forceful or frequent vomiting.

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Reflux usually lasts until the baby is 12-18 months old

Reflux is a common condition in newborns, affecting more than half of all babies to some degree. It usually begins at two weeks of age and peaks at four to six months. Fortunately, reflux is typically not a cause for concern and often resolves on its own without the need for medical intervention. In most cases, reflux lasts until the baby is 12 to 18 months old. By this age, the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle, which controls the passage of food from the oesophagus to the stomach, has developed sufficiently to prevent the backflow of stomach contents.

The oesophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. In babies with reflux, the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle is not fully developed, allowing stomach contents to flow back up into the oesophagus. This results in spitting up or vomiting, which can occur several times a day. Reflux can also cause other symptoms, such as irritability during feeding, frequent burping or hiccupping, and difficulty gaining weight.

While reflux usually resolves by 12 to 18 months, some babies may continue to experience symptoms beyond this age. If reflux persists or is accompanied by troublesome symptoms, it may be diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a more severe and long-lasting form of reflux that can lead to feeding difficulties, weight loss, and respiratory problems such as coughing and wheezing. In rare cases, serious complications can occur.

If your baby is older than 12 to 18 months and continues to experience reflux or GERD symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess your baby's condition and provide guidance on managing or treating the reflux. In some cases, medication or surgery may be recommended to alleviate the symptoms and improve your baby's quality of life.

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GERD is a more severe and long-lasting type of reflux

Reflux is when food from a baby's stomach travels back up into their oesophagus, which may lead to spitting up or vomiting. This happens because a baby's digestive tract is not yet fully mature. Reflux is very common in babies, with about half of all babies spitting up many times a day in the first 3 months of their lives. It usually goes away before a baby's first birthday.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more severe and long-lasting type of reflux. It refers to chronic acid reflux that may affect a person's quality of life and damage their oesophagus. GERD is also common in younger infants, with many 4-month-olds having it. However, by their first birthday, only about 10% of babies still have GERD.

Babies may have GERD if their symptoms prevent them from feeding or if the reflux lasts more than 12 to 14 months. The main symptom of GERD in babies is forceful spitting up and/or vomiting. Other symptoms include:

  • Discomfort or irritability, which may involve crying or arching of the back during feedings.
  • Refusal to nurse or drink from the bottle.
  • Not gaining weight or growing.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Noisy breathing (stridor).

GERD may lead to several complications, including:

  • Delays in normal weight gain and growth.
  • Esophageal strictures.
  • Barrett's oesophagus.
  • Respiratory problems.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your baby, it is important to call your pediatrician.

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Reflux is common in newborns as their oesophageal sphincter is underdeveloped

Reflux is when a baby brings up milk or is sick during or shortly after feeding. It is very common, with more than half of all babies experiencing reflux to some degree, and usually gets better on its own. Reflux usually starts before a baby is 8 weeks old and stops by the time they are 1. However, in some cases, reflux can last longer, and if it persists beyond 12 to 18 months, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more severe condition.

Reflux occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle, which acts as a valve between the oesophagus and the stomach, does not close tightly after liquids enter the stomach. In newborns, this sphincter muscle is underdeveloped, similar to a loose rubber band, especially in babies born prematurely. As a result, stomach contents and digestive juices can travel back up towards the oesophagus, causing the baby to spit up or vomit.

The oesophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. At the bottom of the oesophagus is the lower oesophageal sphincter, a ring of muscle that normally opens when a person swallows. This muscle normally stays closed to prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the oesophagus. However, in newborns, this muscle may be weak or underdeveloped, allowing stomach contents to come back up.

As a baby gets older, their oesophagus will develop further, and the reflux should stop. Most infants outgrow reflux by 12 to 18 months of age. By this age, their oesophageal sphincter muscle will have fully developed, and they will no longer spit up. However, in some cases, reflux can last longer, and if it persists beyond this age, it may be a sign of GERD.

GERD is a more serious and long-lasting type of reflux. It occurs when the sphincter muscle becomes weak or relaxes when it shouldn't. GERD is also common in younger infants, with many 4-month-olds experiencing it. However, by their first birthday, only about 10% of babies still have GERD.

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Reflux can be eased by holding the baby upright during and after feeding

Reflux in newborns is when a baby brings up milk or is sick during or shortly after feeding. It is very common and usually gets better on its own by the time the baby turns one. Reflux usually starts before a baby is 8 weeks old.

It is also recommended to try shorter, more frequent feeds. This means that the baby's tummy won't get too full, but they will still need to be fed often so that they don't get hungry. If you are breastfeeding, you could burp the baby when you switch breasts. If you are bottle-feeding, it is a good idea to burp the baby every three to five minutes during a feed.

If you are breastfeeding, it is not necessary to change your diet. However, if you are formula-feeding, you may be given a powder that is mixed with formula to thicken it, or a pre-thickened formula milk. If thickening the formula does not help, your doctor may recommend medicines that stop the baby's stomach from producing as much acid.

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Reflux is characterised by spitting up, irritability, coughing, and other symptoms

Reflux is a common condition in newborns, characterised by spitting up, irritability, coughing, and other symptoms. It usually starts before a baby is 8 weeks old and tends to improve by the time they reach their first birthday.

Spitting up, or bringing up milk or vomit during or after feeding, is a primary indicator of reflux. This can be accompanied by irritability, such as crying and being unsettled during feeds. Newborns with reflux may also exhibit coughing or hiccupping during feeds, as well as swallowing or gulping after burping or feeding.

In some cases, newborns with reflux may not show the typical symptoms of spitting up or vomiting. This is known as silent reflux, where the baby exhibits signs of discomfort without bringing up milk.

Other symptoms that may accompany reflux include tightness in the throat, stomach upset after eating, and back pain after feeding. Newborns with reflux may also arch their backs during or after feedings.

Coughing related to reflux tends to occur mostly at night or shortly after meals. It can also be more frequent when lying down and may be persistent even without other common causes such as respiratory infections or asthma.

While reflux is typically a self-resolving condition, it is important to monitor the baby's overall well-being and weight gain. If reflux persists beyond the first year of life, or if the baby is not gaining weight due to insufficient food intake, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Reflux usually starts before a baby is 8 weeks old and gets better by the time they're 1. It tends to peak around 4 to 6 months and then improves as babies start eating solid foods. Most infants outgrow reflux by 12 to 18 months of age.

Reflux is when a baby brings up milk or is sick during or shortly after feeding. It is very common and usually gets better on its own. More than half of all babies experience reflux.

Symptoms of reflux in babies include bringing up milk or being sick during or after feeding, coughing or hiccupping when feeding, being unsettled during feeding, swallowing or gulping after burping or feeding, crying and not settling, and not gaining weight.

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