You may have thought that only adults suffered from acid reflux, but infants acid reflux is very common. In fact, you may know it by a different name: spitting up. That’s right, spitting up is actually acid reflux in infants.

Acid reflux or gastroesphageal reflux (GER) is a condition where food and stomach acid back up or reflux into the esophagus. Muscles at the bottom of the esophagus generally relax at certain times to release gas from the stomach. In some cases, the muscles may relax too much or too often or they allow food and acid to back up as well.

Infants’ acid reflux is a very common condition. More than half of all babies experience it during the first three months of their lives. In most cases, infants outgrow the problem by the time they reach a year old.

The common symptoms of acid reflux in infants are:

§ Frequently spitting up or even vomiting.

§ Sometimes refusing food or taking only small amounts.

§ So called "wet" burps.

§ Frequent hiccups or coughing.

Although most babies experience acid reflux, for some babies the condition can be more troublesome. The symptoms of a more severe case of infant acid reflux include:

§ Not gaining weight or actually losing weight.

§ Respiratory problems.

§ Difficulties swallowing or getting frequent sore throats.

§ Frequent sinus or ear infections.

Treating acid reflux in infants generally relies on the severity of the problem. In more mild cases, keeping the baby in a more upright position while feeding and for a while afterward can help. You can also elevate the head of the baby’s bed, feed the baby less milk at more frequent intervals, include a little rice cereal in the baby’s food, and burp the baby more often during feeding. Mothers who breastfeed can also stay away from certain foods that are likely to trigger acid reflux in their babies.

If the condition is more severe and the lifestyle changes don’t seem to help reduce the infant’s acid reflux, your doctor may advise you to try a prescription or over the counter medication. These may include antacids, acid blockers, and acid suppressants. Many adults take these same medications to control their acid reflux.

If you feel that your baby’s acid reflux may be severe, you should talk to your doctor before tying any of the remedies. Your doctor will be able to give you valuable advice on how to better control the acid reflux for your baby. Some individuals have also found relief through chiropractic or alternative medicine for their babies.

Infants acid reflux can be problematic and unpleasant for your baby. Generally, most babies will outgrow the conditions within the first few months of their lives and lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and intensity of the episode. In other cases, you may need to talk to your doctor about medications and other therapies to help your baby.