Signs of silent reflux in babies may include frequent coughing or wheezing, excessive crying or fussiness, arching of the back or neck, difficulty sleeping, and poor weight gain.
Signs of silent reflux in babies can often go unnoticed as they do not exhibit the typical symptoms of acid reflux such as spitting up or vomiting. However, there are several signs that indicate the presence of silent reflux in infants. These signs may include:
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Frequent coughing or wheezing: Babies with silent reflux may have a persistent, dry cough or wheezing that is not accompanied by a cold or respiratory infection.
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Excessive crying or fussiness: Infants with silent reflux may become irritable, inconsolable, or excessively fussy during or after feeding. This is often due to the discomfort caused by the reflux.
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Arching of the back or neck: A common sign of silent reflux is when a baby arches their back or neck, especially during or after feeding. This posture helps ease the discomfort caused by the reflux.
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Difficulty sleeping: Silent reflux can disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns. They may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to the discomfort caused by the reflux.
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Poor weight gain: Babies with silent reflux may have difficulty gaining weight or may even lose weight. This can be attributed to their reduced intake of milk or the discomfort causing them to refuse feeds.
While these signs can indicate the presence of silent reflux in babies, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Silent reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and irritates the larynx. It can cause symptoms such as hoarseness, cough, and difficulty swallowing.”
Here are some interesting facts about silent reflux in babies:
- Silent reflux is also known as laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or acid laryngitis.
- It is estimated that up to 50% of infants experience some form of reflux, and a significant proportion of these cases involve silent reflux.
- Unlike gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults, silent reflux in babies is usually not associated with irritation or inflammation of the esophagus.
- Silent reflux can often be misdiagnosed as colic or simply attributed to the normal “fussiness” of infants.
- Treatment options for silent reflux in babies may include lifestyle changes, such as adjusting feeding positions and frequency, and in some cases, medication may be prescribed to reduce acid production.
Table:
| Signs of Silent Reflux in Babies |
|---|
| Frequent coughing or wheezing |
| Excessive crying or fussiness |
| Arching of the back or neck |
| Difficulty sleeping |
| Poor weight gain |
Remember, if you suspect your baby has silent reflux, it is important to seek medical advice to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Identified other solutions on the web
Silent reflux in babies Even though there isn’t any spitting up, they may show other symptoms similar to reflux, such as crying or being unsettled after feeds, or having a cough or hoarse voice.
Babies with silent reflux may not spit up, which can make it difficult to identify the cause of their distress. Older children may describe something that feels like a lump in their throat and complain of a bitter taste in their mouth. You may also notice hoarseness in your child’s voice. LPR is different from GERD.
The signs of silent reflux are often not outright noticeable. However, careful observation could help parents determine if the baby has the condition. Babies with silent reflux may appear cheerful and only display discomfort before or after feeding. Silent reflux does not show intense signs like GERD, but it still causes discomfort.
Babies with silent reflux may not spit up after feedings, making it more difficult to spot. Symptoms of silent reflux include: Infants with reflux often present with feeding difficulties, which can slow weight gain and even cause weight loss. In extreme cases, this can result in undernutrition.
Babies with silent reflux may not spit up after feedings, making it more difficult to spot. Other symptoms of silent reflux include: Irritability Trouble sleeping Choking Gagging Nasal congestion Arching the back while feeding
The symptoms of silent reflux in infants and children include: coughing vomiting failure to grow and gain weight asthma a sore throat hoarseness noisy breathing
Answer in the video
The video discusses how acid reflux in newborn babies can cause symptoms such as refusing feeds, crying during or after feeding, and pain. While reflux is often accompanied by vomiting, silent reflux can also cause similar symptoms without vomiting. Keeping the baby upright during and after meals is suggested to ease the symptoms of reflux. The video also notes that reflux can be mistaken for colic, and while both conditions usually improve with time, reflux can be treated with an infant antacid prescribed by a doctor.
Also people ask
How do I know if my baby has silent reflux?
How Do I Know My Baby Has Silent Reflux?
- Breathing problems, such as wheezing, “noisy” breathing, or pauses in breathing.
- Chronic coughing.
- Spitting up.
- Difficulty feeding.
- Gagging.
- Nasal congestion.
- Chronic respiratory conditions (such as bronchitis) and ear infections.
- Difficulty breathing (your child may develop asthma)
How do you treat silent reflux in babies?
The reply will be: Things you can try to ease reflux in babies
- ask a health visitor for advice and support.
- get advice about your baby’s breastfeeding position or how to bottle feed your baby.
- hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding.
- burp your baby regularly during feeds.
How does silent reflux start?
Causes of Silent Reflux
If the sphincter does not close properly, acidic stomach contents can flow back into the esophagus, up to the throat and larynx. Risk factors for developing LPR include: Alcohol and/or tobacco use. Certain food choices such as fried or spicy foods.
What can be mistaken for silent reflux?
Answer will be: Silent acid reflux can be a very tricky disease to diagnose and it’s possible to be mistaken for asthma, allergies, or even a common cold.
What are the symptoms of silent reflux in babies?
Response will be: Babies with silent reflux may appear cheerful and only display discomfort before or after feeding. Silent reflux does not show intense signs like GERD, but it still causes discomfort.
What are the home remedies for silent reflux in babies?
Answer: Studies suggest that cumin seeds aid in digestion and help relieve bloating and colic, so it might help reduce the symptoms of silent acid reflux in babies. Boil one teaspoon of cumin seeds in water, strain it, and give two spoonfuls to your baby every day (6).
What is silent reflux?
Silent reflux is a lesser-known form of acid reflux that can bring on various symptoms not typical of acid reflux. The difference between acid reflux and silent acid reflux is that acid reflux results in acid traveling back up the esophagus whereas with silent reflux acid moves into the pharynx, larynx, or voice box.
What are the symptoms of silent reflux in babies?
In reply to that: Babies with silent reflux may appear cheerful and only display discomfort before or after feeding. Silent reflux does not show intense signs like GERD, but it still causes discomfort.
What are the home remedies for silent reflux in babies?
Studies suggest that cumin seeds aid in digestion and help relieve bloating and colic, so it might help reduce the symptoms of silent acid reflux in babies. Boil one teaspoon of cumin seeds in water, strain it, and give two spoonfuls to your baby every day (6).
What is silent reflux?
As a response to this: Silent reflux is a lesser-known form of acid reflux that can bring on various symptoms not typical of acid reflux. The difference between acid reflux and silent acid reflux is that acid reflux results in acid traveling back up the esophagus whereas with silent reflux acid moves into the pharynx, larynx, or voice box.