Symptoms of Infant Reflux and Reflux Disease

RMacLean
January 2001

Some common symptoms of uncomplicated reflux can include:

• constant or sudden crying or colic like symptoms
• irritability and pain
• poor sleep habits typically with frequent waking
• arching their necks and back during or after eating
• spitting-up or vomiting
• wet burp or frequent hiccups
• frequent ear infections or sinus congestion

Your child does not need to exhibit all of these symptoms, in fact, only having one of the above could mean they have reflux. It does not; however, mean they need treatment.  If your child is showing one or more of the above symptoms but is otherwise happy and healthy then some simple lifestyle modifications will likely make life better until they outgrow it.

Symptoms indicative of Reflux Disease or GERD:

• refusing food or accepting only a few bites despite being hungry or the exact opposite requiring constant small meals or liquid
• food/oral aversions
• anemia
• excessive drooling
• running nose, sinus infections
• swallowing problems, gagging, choking
• chronic hoarse voice
• frequent red, sore throat without infection present
• apnea
• chronic ear infections
• respiratory problems—pneumonia, bronchitis, wheezing, asthma, night-time cough, aspiration
• gagging themselves with their fingers or fist (sign of esophagitis)
• poor weight gain, weight loss, failure to thrive
• erosion of dental enamel
• neck arching (Sandifer's Syndrome)
• bad breath

As with reflux, children with GERD will not necessarily exhibit all these symptoms, for example children with silent reflux will not throw up. Another child suffering from asthma or chronic ear infections may actually have undiagnosed reflux that requires treatment.  One or more of the symptoms listed could mean your child has reflux or GERD.

If you believe your child shows any of these signs, educate yourself on the treatment methods and then contact your doctor to discuss the best way to treat your child.

Reviewed By Dave Olson, MD
Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics
Graduate University of Michigan School of Medicine