Health Notebook - How To Spot...Reflux

With a little knowledge, you’ll learn how to deal with common illnesses and conditions

What is it? 

Reflux is when the contents of a baby’s stomach travel back into her oesophagus or mouth. Paediatrician and M&B expert Dr Scott Dunlop says many babies regurgitate milk. “However, if it becomes regular vomiting or is accompanied by acid pain, we usually diagnose reflux,” he says. Reflux usually occurs at between two and four months of age.

What are the symptoms?

Babies with reflux vomit and hiccup a lot. Sometimes they swallow their vomit, which is called silent reflux. If your baby swallows a lot when she’s not feeding, this is a sign. And you’ll know when she has oesophageal pain because she’ll look miserable or worried, and will cry or scream in pain whenever you lie her down on her back.