Treatment:

If your baby has reflux problems, hold him or her upright for 1 to 2 hours after feeding.

When the infant begins to eat solid food, thickened foods are preferable to thin foods.

Sometimes medicines are used to help reduce symptoms, such as antacids or a prescription drug called metoclopramide (Reglan).

Expectations (prognosis):

The majority of infants outgrow this condition. In unusual cases, reflux may persist into childhood and can cause varying degrees of esophageal damage.

Complications:

• Aspiration pneumonia caused by stomach contents passing into the lungs
• Irritation and swelling of the esophagus
• Scarring and narrowing of the esophagus

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your baby is vomiting frequently, especially if the vomiting is forceful or if other symptoms of reflux occur.