Patient's question:
My baby is two months old, and since the full moon, the following symptoms have appeared:1. Spitting up milk, which has become increasingly severe;
2. Long intervals between bowel movements, with the longest being 7 days;
3. Eczema (which has always been present, with the worst symptoms on the head). The baby has been seen at Jingmen No. 1 People's Hospital and Jingmen Petrochemical Hospital (hospitalized for 3 days). The examination results were as follows:
1. Blood tests, urine tests, and stool tests showed no problems, except for slightly low urine specific gravity: 1.005;
2. Ultrasound: No abnormalities were found in the anterior wall of the stomach, the anterior wall of the duodenum, or the pyloric canal.
After treatment at the hospital, the baby's last bowel movement was 3 days ago, but the spitting up has not improved.
Our observations are as follows:
1. From 10 p.m. to 12 p.m. the next day, the symptoms are slightly better;
2. After feeding during the day, the baby seems very uncomfortable, as if he has to spit out everything he just ate to feel better.
We kindly ask for the experts' help in diagnosing this.
Doctor's answer:
The baby is experiencing physiological reflux, as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function in infants is not yet fully developed. Therefore, after feeding, vigorous activity or coughing may cause vomiting. When feeding, ensure the baby completely latches onto the nipple. Avoid overfeeding. After feeding, it is best to have the child lie on an adult's shoulder and gently pat their back to help expel the air they have swallowed. When picking up and putting down the child after feeding, be gentle and minimize movement. Avoid excessive shaking.It is essential to pay attention to ensure the baby sleeps on their side and to turn them onto their side and lower their head quickly if vomiting occurs. If the vomit cannot be expelled from the mouth in time, it may come out through the nose. This can easily lead to aspiration into the respiratory tract, potentially causing aspiration pneumonia, or even suffocation, which could be life-threatening.
Generally, the condition will gradually improve on its own within 4-6 months.