Why do newborns often experience spitting up?

Generally, spitting up in newborns may be caused by factors such as the position and capacity of the stomach, eating too quickly or too much, gastroesophageal reflux, pneumonia, or congenital gastrointestinal tract malformations. Symptomatic treatment, including general and medication therapies, may be needed. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical diagnosis and treatment promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Stomach Position and Capacity

The digestive system of newborns is not fully matured. The stomach muscles are thin, and the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (cardia) is incomplete, making it easy for food to flow back into the esophagus and cause spitting up. It is recommended to feed the baby smaller amounts more frequently and keep the baby upright after feeding to aid digestion and reduce spitting up.

2. Eating Too Quickly or Too Much

Newborns have a strong sucking reflex. Eating too quickly or swallowing excessive air during feeding can cause stomach distension, increasing intra-gastric pressure, which may lead to food regurgitation into the esophagus and subsequent spitting up. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as burping and bloating. It is recommended to control the feeding speed to ensure the baby does not swallow excessive air. Burping after feeding can help release gas from the stomach.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux

In newborns, the lower esophageal sphincter may be underdeveloped, failing to effectively prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus, causing recurrent spitting up. Acidic stomach fluid may irritate the esophageal mucosa, leading to inflammation. The baby may show symptoms such as irritability and poor weight gain. It is recommended to use medications such as infantile spleen-strengthening pills, digestive tablets, or cimetidine tablets under a doctor's guidance.

4. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is mainly caused by infections from bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma. Pneumonia can reduce digestive function and weaken gastrointestinal motility in newborns, leading to spitting up. Additionally, symptoms such as coughing and fever caused by pneumonia may exacerbate the spitting up. It is recommended to use medications such as cefixime tablets, ambroxol hydrochloride tablets, or ribavirin granules under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

5. Congenital Gastrointestinal Malformations

Congenital gastrointestinal malformations such as congenital pyloric stenosis or Hirschsprung's disease can cause poor milk drainage, leading to milk accumulation in the stomach and resulting in spitting up. Newborns may also experience symptoms such as abdominal distension, constipation, and poor weight gain. It is recommended to undergo surgical treatments such as the Kasai procedure or definitive surgery for Hirschsprung's disease under a doctor's guidance.

It is also recommended that during sleep, the baby's head and upper body should be elevated in a sloped position to help reduce the risk of aspiration during spitting up.