Is it Reflux, Silent Reflux or CMPA?

Infant reflux, silent reflux, and Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) are terms parents often encounter when navigating the challenges of their baby’s digestive health. In this blog, I will provide definitions and symptoms for each of these conditions, helping you differentiate between them for better understanding and management.

Infant Reflux:

Definition: Infant reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. It’s typically characterised by spitting up or regurgitation.

Symptoms:

• Frequent Spit-Up: Babies with reflux often spit up after feeding, sometimes in considerable amounts. Although while babies digestive system is developing this is very ‘normal’ for baby, reflux displays many of the other symptoms and pain.
• Irritability: Infants may appear fussy and uncomfortable, especially during or after meals.
• Arching Back: Some babies arch their backs in response to reflux-related discomfort.
• Coughing and Wheezing: Reflux can lead to coughing and occasional wheezing.
• Poor Weight Gain: In severe cases, it may result in inadequate weight gain. This is NOT always the case but it can be for some babies.
• Excessive Hiccups: Frequent hiccups may occur due to irritation of the diaphragm.

Silent Reflux:

Definition: Silent reflux, or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), is a variation of infant reflux where stomach contents flow up the esophagus and into the throat, causing irritation without obvious spitting up.

Symptoms:

• Hoarse Voice: Babies with silent reflux may develop a hoarse voice or persistent throat clearing.
• Coughing Fits: Chronic coughing, especially at night, can be a symptom.
• Gagging or Choking: Infants may appear to gag or choke frequently.
• Difficulty Swallowing: Swallowing difficulties may be observed.

Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA):

Definition: CMPA is an allergic reaction to proteins found in cow’s milk, typically occurring in infants who are allergic to these proteins, either through breast milk or formula.

Symptoms:

• Digestive Issues: Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Skin Rash: Skin problems such as eczema or hives may develop. This is a common sign of allergy, and no amount of creams or skincare make a different due to the allergy re-occuring.
• Respiratory Symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, or nasal congestion may occur. This occurs due to the build up of mucous, which is a symptom of an allergy.
• Irritability: CMPA can make babies more irritable and fussy.
• Failure to Thrive: Severe cases may lead to poor weight gain and growth.

As a parent, it can be extremely difficult to determine what baby is going through so keep track of symptoms, seek support and attend Baby Massage, and see your local Osteopath to begin taking steps to help your baby in those early weeks.

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