Active acid reflux and silent acid reflux share quite similar symptoms, only the baby does not emit vomit if he is suffering from the latter. Rather, when the baby spits up, he swallows it rather than spitting in out of his mouth. Silent acid reflux can be dangerous in babies, as it damages the esophagus and can impede proper weight gain. It is a treatable condition, however, and can often be corrected with simple steps taken at home without any medication.
Home Remedies
Breastfeed your baby rather than feeding him formula. The body can digest breast milk easier and quicker than formula. The quicker the digestion of the food, the less likely the baby will spit up. If you are breastfeeding and your baby still suffers from silent reflux, mother may need to alter her diet to see if that may be the problem. Try avoiding particular foods such as caffeine, dairy, and spicy foods to see if that helps the baby. While feeding the baby, whether by breast or bottle, hold him on at least a 30 degree angle and ensure that his spine is completely straight. This will keep him from swallowing a lot of air and allow more of the milk to reach the intestines. Offer the baby smaller feedings more frequently. Smaller quantities of food are easier for the baby to digest. If bottle feeding, burp the baby after every one to two ounces of formula. If nursing, burp the baby when alternating between breasts or anytime the baby stops sucking on the breast. You may want to experiment with various types of bottles if you are formula feeding the baby. Different nipples and sucking patterns of the baby can ,so it is important to find a nipple that will fit with your baby's sucking pattern to eliminate excess air intake. Do not lay the baby down for at least 20 minutes after feeding and try to keep his spine straight. This will allow gravity to assist in keeping the milk in his belly. Additionally, try to keep the baby from laughing, crying, or being stimulated in any way for at least 20 minutes after feeding. Stimulation can trigger silent reflux symptoms. Do not sit the baby in a bouncy seat, swing, baby carrier, or similar seats immediately following feedings that may cause him to slump over. This can create pressure in the stomach and cause the baby to spit up. Keep the baby away from anything that may cause breathing difficulty such as smoke, dust, or mold. Exposure to such things can trigger reflux. Use a crib wedge or thick books to elevate the head of the baby's crib 30 degrees to keep his body angled and allow food to stay in the stomach.
Medications
If you have tried everything at home and your baby still suffers from silent reflux, his pediatrician may recommend a medication to treat the condition. Prescription anti-acid medications are available for use in babies and may help eliminate the problem of silent acid reflux.
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