GER vs. GERD: When Should I Worry?
If you’ve cared for an infant for any length of time, you understand spit-up is inevitable. Babies naturally swallow air along with breast milk or formula during feedings. As their stomach becomes full, your baby may spit-up to relieve some pressure. This is perfectly normal and known as Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), which most infants experience. However, in some instances, a baby may experience a severe reflux condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), possibly requiring medical intervention. So, how do you know if your baby’s reflux is normal?
Does my baby have GER or GERD?
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) is the technical term for spit-up, which is common among all babies. During their first few months of life, babies tend to spit up a small amount after being fed. This is not cause for concern, and the frequency of spit-up can be decreased by burping your baby and ensuring they are not overly active after meals.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), on the other hand, is the result of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle being underdeveloped. This muscle is responsible for preventing stomach contents from flowing into the esophagus. As your baby develops, this muscle will strengthen, and their GERD should resolve.
The best way to determine if your child has GER or GERD is to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician; however, there are a few symptoms to look out for. If you notice your baby has any of the following symptoms, they may have GERD:
- Blood or bile in their vomit
- Repeated vomiting
- Irritable and lethargic
- Jaundice
- Refusing to eat
- Distended, swollen abdomen
How do I treat GER?
While there is no medical treatment for GER, you can make some feeding changes to minimize spit-up. After each feeding, burp your baby by gently patting their back as they are held upright with their head on your shoulder. Keeping your child upright and minimizing their activity for 30 minutes after feeding is also beneficial. Finally, more frequent feedings with smaller portions may aid digestion and reduce bouts of GER.
How do I treat GERD?
Many doctors will recommend making the same feeding changes used to treat GER. Typically, this is the best solution to minimize the effects of GERD until the esophageal sphincter muscle develops and the issue resolves itself. However, some cases of GERD are severe and may require medical intervention to resolve, though it is important to note that these severe cases are highly uncommon. If your infant is gaining good weight, as determined by your pediatrician, then medical intervention is rarely necessary.
Spit-up is a normal part of development in babies and resolves itself as your baby grows. However, we understand there may be instances where you, as a parent or caregiver, may be concerned. If you notice that your baby isn’t gaining weight, is refusing to eat, and is vomiting regularly, please contact Briarcliff Pediatrics to schedule a sick visit with Dr. Raymond Deeb, Dr. Rebecca McCoy, or Dr. Nicholas Kelly. Our knowledgeable pediatricians will be able to determine whether your baby’s symptoms are due to GERD or another underlying issue that requires medical attention. We are here to support you, so please don’t hesitate to call us with your questions and concerns. For helpful updates and health tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
