Gripe water is Not a definitive treatment for Acid reflux in babies. But it is used as a traditional remedy for treating digestive issues in infants including symptoms associated with reflux in babies. It provides quick relief from similar symptoms especially gas, bloating, fussiness, etc. Lets first understand, what Acid Reflux is actually and what causes Reflux in babies.
Does Gripe water Help with Reflux in Babies?
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid Reflux is actually Gastroesophageal Reflux, which is seen commonly in infants and babies. It is caused when the undigested or partially digested food flows back to the esophagus, in simple words, the recently eaten foodstuff which has not been completely digested yet, comes up from the stomach to the mouth, which causes irritation and discomfort.
It is found to be common in infants in the first few months which gets resolved on its own when baby reaches 12 to 18 months of age. It can happen anytime but mostly it happens after feeding.
The baby’s esophagus (food pipe) are not fully developed and so the milk can flow back to the mouth easily. This esophagus will get completely develop till the age of 12 to 18 months and this reflux issue may disappear with the time.
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Symptoms of Acid reflux in Babies
1. Frequent Spitting Up
Spitting milk or food is normal, but frequent spitting undigested milk may indicate signs of acid reflux.
2. Irritability and Fussiness
Babies with Acid Reflux may seem to be uncomfortable, irritable, fussy, especially after feeding.
3. Poor Weight Gain
Due to incomplete digestion and frequent spitting of undigested feed or milk, may result poor weight gain as the baby struggles to digest.
4. Reluctance to eat
Due to excessive reflux baby may find uneasy and show reluctance to eat anything.
5. Disturbed Sleep
Because of uneasiness and discomfort, the baby may find hard to sleep.
6. Discomfort shortly after feeding
This uneasiness will rise or get worsen after feeding, as the previously fed milk is still not completely digested.
7. Coughing while being fed
The acid reflux causes the undigested milk being thrown back to the mouth through esophagus. This may causes irritation in the throat and difficult to gulp down the milk being fed. This irritation may cause coughing while being fed.
Using Gripe water to treat Acid Reflux in Babies
As we have mentioned in detail about the gripe water contents or ingredients, in our previous articles. We would like to remind about the natural ingredients that has soothing properties and has ability to relieve gas and fussiness in babies with discomfort in their tummies. Some of the common ingredients include, Fennel seeds, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Dill seeds oil, Ginger, Peppermint, etc.
This ingredients have calming and digestive benefits which has been proved to relieve some of the symptoms associated with reflux. Few important benefits of gripe water includes:
- Carminative effects: Where it helps to release gas and fussiness, and reduces flatulence.
- Calming Effects: It calms the digestive system with the help of sedative effect of some of the ingredients which helps in relaxation of muscles in the digestive tract.
- Soothing Irritation: With the help of anti-inflammatory agents, it soothes the irritation within the digestive tract
- Promotes Sleep: The relaxation of digestive tract and sudden relief promotes sleep.
- Improved Digestion: Some of the ingredients has digestive benefits and so, the bay is able to digest better.
It is important to mention here, that the use of gripe water should not be considered as a cure for Reflux in babies. It may relieve mild symptoms but severe reflux issues should be taken as a serious condition. And, it is advised to consult a pediatrician who will assess the severity of the condition, and will provide most important advices to follow.
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Other Useful measures and Considerations to avoid Reflux in babies
Dietary adjustments
Pediatrician may advise for a dietary adjustment like smaller and more frequent feeding, thickening of feedings of formula-fed babies, etc.
Feeding Patterns and Positions
Feed your baby in elevated head position so that it can easily gulp down the fed milk. And this also prevents any sudden reflux during coughing or gulping, swallowing, etc.
Sleeping position
The baby should sleep flat on his back. Keep the baby in this position and prevent any turning by keeping side pillows. If baby turns on his back, it creates pressure on its tummy an it may result in spitting out the food due to reflux.
Monitor Burping after feeding
The baby after being fed should be kept in upright position for at least 20 to 30 mins, and the baby must burp. This burping indicates proper digestion which discards any chances of reflux. Burp the baby frequently after or between feedings to avoid accumulation of gas.
Elevating Baby’s head
While sleeping, the baby’s head should be elevated to prevent the reflux coming up to the mouth. This is very important as a small coughing and sneezing action can also trigger reflux in babies sleeping completely flat on their back.
Medication
In severe cases, the pediatrician will advice to change the baby formula and may advise with some digestive supplements. This will improve digestion in your baby. But, such medications should be taken when the adjustments with dietary and feeding patterns are not sufficient.
Mothers Diet, When Breastfeeding
When the baby is breast-fed, the pediatrician may also advise some dietary changes for mother regarding food choices and changing eating habits. A proper change in breast feeding mothers diet may also be advised by the pediatrician. She is advised to monitor her diet and identify and eliminate foods that could be contributing to reflux symptoms in the baby.
Conclusion
Gripe water may give temporary relief from reflux but in severe cases, it may not be a substitute for healthcare professional’s advice and proper medication and treatment. Parents should use gripe water cautiously along with a pediatricians advice in case of severe reflux symptoms. If the reflux symptoms are frequent and persistent, you must get a proper advice with a pediatrician for an effective course of action.
Gripe water can be a part of first hand remedial approach towards managing mild discomfort. But it should be followed by a proper healthcare advice by a pediatrician in cases of severe reflux in babies.
