Certainly, any disease that can cause growth delay in babies and children causes parents to worry. Reflux in babies is one of these digestive disorders that appear mostly at the beginning of a child's life. Reflux or food return occurs for various reasons, fortunately, this disorder can be controlled and treated by providing therapeutic solutions. But the question is, does this disease exist in a hidden form in the baby's body? In order to learn more about the causes and **hidden reflux symptoms in babies** along with the appropriate treatment method, read this article to the end.

reflux in babies Reflux refers to the involuntary return of stomach contents to the esophagus. In general, this condition is physiological and occurs in all people, not only children, during the day and will be asymptomatic. But gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the patient experiences symptoms or complications due to reflux. Reflux in babies is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders that is sometimes present from birth. This disease can be resolved in most infants by completing the development of the digestive system. What is hidden reflux in babies? Hidden reflux in infants means the passage of stomach contents into the esophagus during that period of life, which does not have specific symptoms. Some babies may suffer from hidden reflux and cause discomfort and disturbance in sleeping and feeding. It is important to treat this condition as soon as it is diagnosed to prevent bigger problems in the future. Hidden reflux symptoms in babies Hidden reflux in babies means gastroesophageal reflux without visible symptoms of reflux, which is often accompanied by vomiting. However, some hidden reflux symptoms in babies include: - **Insomnia:** Babies with hidden reflux may sleep hard and wake up very early. - **Restlessness:** Babies with this condition may be restless and need more hugs and attention. - **Vomiting:** Babies with hidden reflux may vomit after feeding, but this vomiting may not be much and may be very little. - **Feeling pain:** Pain, especially abdominal pain, is one of the symptoms of hidden reflux in babies. Abdominal pains often worsen with breast milk or formula. - **Too much milk intake:** Babies with this condition may need more breast milk or formula due to insufficient nutrition. - **Weight loss:** Insufficient weight gain or growth delay in babies occurs due to insufficient absorption of calories due to the baby's refusal to breastfeed. Children usually avoid eating because of the pain associated with acid reflux. - **Changes in behavior:** Among the symptoms of hidden reflux in babies, we can mention behavioral changes such as crying more or not wanting to play because of abdominal pain. - **Sandifer's syndrome:** is a movement disorder caused by a digestive problem. One of the most important symptoms of this disease is tilting the head to the back and outside due to irritation of the esophagus. This complication may be one of the symptoms of hidden reflux in babies. Causes of hidden reflux in babies Occult reflux or GERD in babies can be caused by various reasons, these reasons are:

**Inability of the esophageal muscles to control the flow of food:** In infants, the esophageal muscles are developing and cannot work well. Therefore, the flow of food goes to the esophagus instead of moving to the stomach, which will cause reflux. **Nutritional factors:** One of the important factors that can lead to reflux in infants is the delay in starting feeding. Also, consumption of traditional foods such as mint, tea with sugar irritates the esophagus and causes stomach contents to return to the esophagus. **Neurological disorders:** Some neurological disorders, such as disorders related to the brain and peripheral nerves, can lead to reflux in babies. **Hormonal imbalance:** Hormones such as progesterone may weaken the esophageal muscles and lead to reflux in some babies. **Genetic factors:** In some cases, hidden reflux symptoms in babies occur due to the presence of genetic factors and the inheritance of esophageal muscle disorders.

Diagnostic evaluation of gastric reflux in infants Usually, this disease can be diagnosed by history and physical examination. Pediatrician should distinguish physiological reflux from pathological reflux. Other diagnostic methods of reflux in infants include: - Ultrasound - Blood and urine laboratory tests can help identify or rule out possible causes of frequent vomiting and poor weight gain. - Esophageal PH monitoring - Upper endoscopy Treatment and control of reflux disease in babies and infants Conservative treatment is often effective. For example, avoid sitting or sleeping the baby in an open arched position after eating. It is better to know that the position of the palm in an awake child is related to the reduction of reflux. Also, feeding with a smaller volume, using anti-nausea formula, hydrolyzed formula or amino acids, and in babies who are breastfed can also help reduce this complication. If there is suspicion of allergy in children, use ready-made food containing hydrolyzed protein for 1 to 2 weeks. Drug treatment is recommended when conservative treatment has not solved the baby's problem. Control and prevention of hidden reflux in infants You can help control hidden reflux in your baby by doing the following: 1. Keep the baby in a position with his head and neck up so that the food goes back into the esophagus. 2. After eating, keep the baby upright for 30 minutes so that the contents of the stomach do not return to the esophagus. 3. Avoid wearing tight clothes, straps and even wearing anti-sweat clothing in your baby, because these things increase the pressure and irritate the stomach. 4. Before sleeping, put the baby on a soft pillow and raise his head and neck. 5. If you are prescribed different drugs, follow the doctor's instructions exactly. 6. Use breast milk and avoid giving the baby milk powder and other foods as much as possible. **final advice** Reflux is one of the relatively common digestive problems in babies and infants, which often occurs due to the lack of full development of the digestive system. In most cases, this condition is characterized by frequent vomiting and failure to weigh the baby. But in some cases, this disease will appear in a hidden form. The most important symptoms of hidden reflux in babies are weight loss, sleep disorders in children, restlessness and changes in bowel activity. It is recommended to see the best pediatrician if you see any of these symptoms in your baby.