Regurgitation from the nose in the newborn: should I worry?

Il regurgitation it is a very common phenomenon in infants, but when it happens from the nose it leads some parents to worry. But is it really worth being alarmed?

In this article

• Regurgitation, what is it
• Is regurgitation from the nose dangerous?
• When should you worry?

Regurgitation, what is it

Il gastroesophageal reflux - the scientific name of regurgitation - occurs when part of the stomach contents are pushed towards the esophagus and then out of the mouth.

In very young children this happens very often because it is esophageal sphincter of newborns is not yet fully developed and therefore can spontaneously open even when it shouldn't. This causes that characteristic trickle of drool mixed with milk that babies can regurgitate either just after feeding, both an hour or two after the meal (and in that case the leaked substance will be a little more "pasty").

It may happen that together with the residues of milk and water the newborn also expels some gastric juices, the secretions present in the stomach, and in these cases we speak of acid regurgitation, which can be a little more annoying for the little one.

In any case, this phenomenon usually stops occurring after 8/9 months of life.

Read also: The regurgitation of the newborn

Is regurgitation from the nose dangerous?

Sometimes it can happen that the baby regurgitates from the nose, but even in this case you don't need to worry, since often the cause can lie in the position of the baby, in a sudden movement or in the too much haste with which the baby has fed.

The fear of a suffocation caused by regurgitation is indeed unfounded, unless there are serious pathologies to complicate the situation. Do the classic burp and let the baby sleep a belly up however, useful practices remain to facilitate digestion and to keep everyone calmer.

Read also: How to sterilize the bottle: tips and techniques

When should you worry?

So if the regurgitation from the nose is not in itself an alarm bell, are there any cases in which it would be better to contact the pediatrician? The answer is affirmative and concerns some well-defined circumstances:

• Weight loss;
• Poor growth;
• Constant coughing during feeding;
• Breathing problems
• Irritability of the child;
• Refusal of food.

All these symptoms, accompanied by frequent regurgitation, could suggest the presence of complications of the gastroesophageal reflux disease, a disease that is not serious but which reduces appetite and hinders proper breathing.

Remedies

If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor may suggest that you thicken feedings (perhaps adding shredded cereals in the bottle) or keep the upright position of the children after the meal. Rarer, but not to be excluded, appeals a specific drugs or even, surgeries.

SOURCES: Nncbi; MsdManuals

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• regurgitation of the newborn