Spit up

Spit Up is a common phenomenon observed in infants, particularly during or after feeding. It involves the regurgitation of food from the stomach, often due to an underdeveloped digestive system.

Definition

Spit Up refers to the process where an infant regurgitates some of the milk or formula they have swallowed. This is a normal occurrence in babies and is different from vomiting, which is a forceful expulsion of stomach contents and is often due to illness.

Causes

The primary cause of spit up in infants is an immature Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). The LES is a band of muscles that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. In infants, this muscle is not fully developed, which allows food to flow back into the esophagus and out of the mouth. Other causes can include overfeeding, swallowing air during feeding, or food allergies.

Management

Management of spit up primarily involves simple home remedies. These include feeding in an upright position, burping the baby during and after feeding, and avoiding overfeeding. In some cases, a change in formula or breast milk may be recommended. If the spit up is frequent and accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss or difficulty breathing, medical attention should be sought as it could indicate a more serious condition like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

See Also

• Infant Nutrition
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)