Infantreflux.org | Esophageal sphincter?

This topic has 2 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 12 years, 9 months ago by Anonymous.

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July 19, 2011 at 6:44 pm #68682

Anonymous
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Hi again!

I have a question (I apologize if it has been asked before, but I searched and haven’t found the answer).

At one point, her pediatrician stated that part of reflux is the esophageal sphincter not being mature and working properly. She said that the sphincter normally matures on its own, generally by 12 months, and this is part of why babies “outgrow their reflux.”

Kerra has always been a “happy spitter” with quite a lot of spit up and vomit. She is still throwing up once or twice a day, and she is currently almost 9 months old. Since we put her on meds pretty quickly after diagnosis and thankfully she hasn’t had too many problems, we never saw a GI doctor.

Here is my question: Is there a point when I should take her to a specialist to check that little sphincter? I know mama generally knows best, and I should trust my instincts, but my instincts aren’t talking right now. ^_^ I just want what is best for her! What do you think?

FarscapeGrl2011-07-19 18:44:37

July 20, 2011 at 1:39 pm #68683

Anonymous
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Hiya!

Most, if not all babies, have that immature sphincter. Some outgrow it sooner than others. It’s when they have too much acid that causes pain and/or they stop eating well that it’s a problem, usually. My daughter was still having some problems at 9 months, but the spitting up had stopped (she had what’s called silent reflux; it’d come up into her throat and she’d swallow it back and it’d burn her esophagus). I think I would wait until she was a year old to really worry about it, especially if she doesn’t seem to be in any pain and is still gaining weight well. However, I don’t think anyone would look down on you if you took her in to be seen, now.

July 22, 2011 at 10:35 pm #68688

Anonymous
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Thanks very much!

I think for the most part she is a silent refluxer then, since we generally don’t see problems until the weight to Zantac ratio gets out of whack (or I accidentally eat something with hidden dairy).

However, since we’ve already met our deductible for this year I think I’ll probably take her in and have an expert take a peek. Thanks again!
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