Patient's question:
The child is three months old and often spits up milk. Sometimes, it spits up a lot. What should the doctor do?Doctor's answer:
Hello:Nausea is the most common symptom of the digestive system. Nausea includes vomiting and spitting up. If a small amount of milk flows back into the mouth, it is considered spitting up, not vomiting, and does not affect development. It usually disappears around 6 months of age as the child grows older.
Newborns have small stomachs, which are horizontal, and their esophagus is relatively relaxed. The cardiac sphincter, which connects to the esophagus, is underdeveloped. Additionally, the nervous regulation function of intestinal motility, as well as the ability to secrete gastric acid and proteases, are also poor in newborns, especially premature infants, making them prone to vomiting.
The most common cause of vomiting is improper feeding, accounting for about 1/4 of all newborn vomiting cases. This is mainly due to overfeeding, incorrect concentration, unsuitable milk temperature, small nipple holes, lying flat immediately after feeding, excessive or early movement of the infant, and severe crying, all of which can cause vomiting.
Mild vomiting and spitting up have little impact on the body. However, repeated vomiting can lead to disturbances in water and electrolyte balance and acid-base equilibrium, manifesting as dehydration, convulsions, and coma. Severe vomiting can cause vomit to be inhaled into the trachea, leading to aspiration pneumonia, blocking the airway of weak or premature infants, and causing suffocation and death.
If a child vomits, parents should first check the feeding method and correct any improper practices promptly. When feeding or giving water, the infant should be held upright, placed on the parent's shoulder, and gently patted on the back to burp and expel air from the stomach before putting them down. For at least 30 minutes after feeding, the infant should be moved as little as possible, and any diaper changes or other procedures should be performed gently. Lying on the right side or elevating the head can help food move from the stomach into the intestines and reduce the risk of vomit being inhaled into the trachea. While adjusting the feeding method, attention should also be paid to...