Silent reflux is a condition whereby the baby suffers from Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, a condition similar to GERD. However, the symptoms are different and not as evident. Most babies that suffer from acid reflux show various symptoms; they spit up, or vomit and as a result, they tend to lose weight or fail to gain weight properly after birth. Such symptoms are very palpable and can be easily detected physically. In silent reflux these symptoms cannot be seen, but we have hunted down the following information.
Silent Reflux in Infants
This occurs when the infant does not spit up or vomit, but ends up swallowing the regurgitated fluids, and may choke on it. You may begin noticing this after spending time with the baby after they feed or while they are asleep. Since there is no vomiting or the loss of weight, it would be very difficult for a health professional to diagnose this condition in a ten-minute check-up.
Probable Symptoms of Silent Reflux
The strange thing about this condition is that the affected babies want to eat more often, thus they put on extra weight. They do this to soothe the pain they are feeling. Due to the fact that diagnosing this problem may be a bit problematic for health professionals, it is important for parents to note down when the baby is crying in pain, for instance: after how long they are fed, if they are lying down or sitting upright.
Additionally, try listening to see if liquid is flowing up the baby’s esophagus and into their mouth. Normally, you should be able to hear this flow, as they swallow and choke on the regurgitated fluids. Other common symptoms include a constant running nose, sour breath, frequent hiccups and difficulty in breathing. If you notice that your baby is not settled six weeks after birth and you can feel this fluid coming up, it is a strong indicator that they are suffering from silent reflux.
Silent Reflux Treatment
It is important for your little one to receive the proper medication and the proper management of reflux to help ease the pain. To help the health professional administer treatment to your baby, you will have to provide them with a full account of suspected behavior.
Silent Reflux Home Remedies – Prevention
Since diagnosing silent reflux is difficult, the best way of dealing with it would be to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Breastfeed, rather than feed with formula. Their bodies have the ability of digesting breastmilk faster and more easily than formula. The slower the food is digested, the higher the chances of it being spit up.
- If you breastfeed your baby and they still suffer from silent reflux, try altering your diet and see if there is any improvement. Foods such as dairy products, caffeine and spicy foods should be avoided.
- When you feed, be it by bottle or breast; always hold the baby at an angle of about 30 degrees, with the spine totally straight. This prevents him from swallowing lots of air, and allows the milk to get to the intestines.
- Give your baby smaller portions more regularly. Smaller portions are easier to digest. If you are using a bottle, burp him after every ounce of formula. Likewise, when you are breastfeeding, burp him as you alternate between breasts or as soon as he stops sucking or pauses.
- Experiment with different brands of bottles for silent reflux relief, especially if you use formula. Try finding a nipple that fits with your baby’s sucking pattern, and one that will reduce the intake of excess air. The right bottle can also help to alleviate gas pain.
- Let your baby sit up straight for at least twenty minutes after feeding. This way, gravity will keep the milk in his belly. Moreover, try keeping her from crying, laughing, or being enthused in any manner for at least twenty minutes after they are fed. Such activities can easily lead to the occurrence of this condition.
- Do not place her in bouncy seats, swings or carriers immediately after they have fed. These will create pressure in their stomachs and lead them to spit up. She should also be kept away from surroundings that may make her experience breathing difficulty – areas full of dust, smoke, or mold.
This condition may affect his voice in the future. When the food pipe frequently comes into contact with the acid, its tissues may become damaged. Don’t be fooled by the silent nature of this condition. If not treated, your baby may suffer other serious health complications later on.
Subscribe to the Born Unique Baby Guide Email Series below!
This site and its emails contain links to our own products, as well as paid advertising links to recommended products that we feel you may find useful.
Information contained on this website is general in nature, and is not a substitute for consulting a physician. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. We are not doctors; we are mothers.
