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Spitting up
Definition:
Spitting up is the gentle sloshing of stomach contents up and out of the mouth in babies, sometimes accompanied by a burp. It is an entirely different process than vomiting, which is the forceful expulsion of contents from the stomach by a fierce contraction of the diaphragm. Information:
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Most babies spit up milk out of their mouths or noses. This is because the sphincter at the top of the stomach is often loose. In otherwise healthy, happy babies who are growing well, the spit-up is mostly milk, rather than stomach acid, and nothing needs to be done. (Except a lot of laundry.) Babies gaining at least 6 ounces a week and with wet diapers at least every 6 hours are usually growing well. On average, spitting up peaks at 4 months and is over by about 7 months of age, though it can take longer. Spitting up is not likely to be a formula intolerance or allergy to something in a nursing mother's diet. The sphincter at the top of the stomach may be too loose (so it can't hold things in), the valve at the bottom of the stomach may be too tight (so the stomach gets too full), or big air bubbles may take up too much room. Sometimes babies just drink too much, too fast. Some babies do reflux enough acid that the lining of the esophagus becomes tender, red, and swollen. They might arch their backs in pain. The acid can be inhaled into the lungs, irritating the sensitive linings. These children might not gain weight well, or might cry a lot from discomfort. Some might develop a chronic cough, wheezing, or recurrent pneumonia. A few even stop breathing (apnea) to try to protect their lungs. All of these children need relief from their reflux.
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