Is My Baby Colicky From Silent Reflux? Or is it Something Else?

As a parent, you have that beautiful intuition, that gentle sense that knows when something feels a little “off” with your baby. Maybe there’s a persistent cough that seems to linger, or perhaps your little one just seems uncomfortable or extra fussy after meals. After a visit to the pediatrician, you might have been told, “It’s just a phase” or “They’ll grow out of it.” But what if there’s more to the story?

Understanding Silent Reflux

Silent reflux, also called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), is a condition that often gets overlooked. It brings with it an assortment of symptoms—from colic and constipation to breathing struggles and general discomfort. Yet these signs are only a glimpse into what’s going on beneath the surface.

What is Silent Reflux, Exactly?

Unlike traditional reflux, silent reflux doesn’t always show obvious symptoms like heartburn or vomiting, which makes it harder to spot in little ones. Essentially, silent reflux happens when stomach acid flows back into the throat and voice box, irritating those delicate areas. With infants, this subtle reflux can make them extra uncomfortable, without the telltale signs we usually associate with reflux.

Recognizing the Signs and Digging Deeper

As your baby’s closest observer, you’re in a perfect position to notice small changes that might indicate silent reflux. Some signs to watch for include:

1. Hoarseness

2. Chronic cough

3. Difficulty swallowing

4. Recurring ear infections

5. Breathing troubles similar to asthma

Yet, it’s important to remember that these symptoms don’t tell the whole story. Silent reflux doesn’t begin and end with digestive discomfort—it’s part of a bigger picture that often involves several systems in the body.

The Perfect Storm: Why Silent Reflux Develops

In many cases, we find that silent reflux stems from a collection of factors we call “The Perfect Storm.” This might include:

• Prenatal maternal stress

• Birth interventions

• Early life stress or trauma

These factors can nudge the nervous system out of balance, leading it away from a restful “rest-and-digest” state into a stressed “fight-or-flight” mode. When this shift happens, it can impact the digestive system, affecting everything from gut motility to inflammation. This imbalance in the nervous system—also known as subluxation—can create a ripple effect, contributing to digestive discomfort, reflux, and beyond.

Taking Charge of Your Child’s Health

At Golden Family Chiropractic, we believe that parents are their child’s strongest advocates. Here’s how you can take charge and explore options to support your baby’s comfort and health:

1. Trust Your Instincts

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t shy away from seeking another opinion or exploring a holistic approach. You know your baby better than anyone.

2. Look Beyond Symptoms

Easing your baby’s discomfort is crucial, but consider approaches that aim to uncover and address the underlying cause, too.

3. Consider a Neurological Approach

Neurologically-focused chiropractic care, like what we provide at Golden Family Chiropractic, looks at the nervous system to understand and address silent reflux’s root causes.

4. Explore Non-Invasive Tools

Advanced technologies like Neurological INSiGHT Scans can provide a gentle way to assess nervous system function related to reflux, helping us better understand how to support your little one.

5. Embrace a Holistic Perspective

Remember that your baby’s body is a beautifully connected system. Addressing imbalances in the nervous system can have a positive effect on many areas of health.

A Path Forward

We know how hard it can feel to watch your little one struggle with discomfort. At Golden Family Chiropractic, our focus is on helping restore balance within the nervous system through gentle, neurologically-focused adjustments that work to address the root of issues like silent reflux. Our care is designed to not only ease discomfort but also enhance your child’s overall health, resilience, and development.

You don’t have to wait or feel helpless—taking proactive steps now can help bring your child the relief they need. Contact us at Golden Family Chiropractic to schedule a consultation and learn more about our unique, natural approach to silent reflux. And if you’re not local, our PX Docs directory can help you find a PX Doc near you.

By trusting your instincts, looking deeper, and embracing a holistic approach, you’re giving your baby the gift of comfort and a brighter, healthier future.