IDAI stresses infant spit-up is not always a sign of illness

The Chairperson of the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), Dr Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, stated that spitting up (gumoh) is a common occurrence in many infants because their digestive systems are still developing, and therefore it is not necessarily an indication of illness.

“As the infant ages, this will decrease and improve,” said Piprim during an online discussion held in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Piprim reminded parents not to panic immediately or assume that a child is suffering from Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease (GERD). Parents are urged to understand the differences between GERD, simple spitting up, and reflux in infants.

She noted that not all infants who spit up require medication. It is crucial for every infant to receive treatment appropriate to their symptoms and age to prevent excessive self-diagnosis.

“Not all infants who spit up need medication, and not all cases are chronic or automatically GERD. Therefore, education from experts, such as paediatric gastroenterology consultants, is vital for the public, especially for parents, so they do not dismiss the issue but also avoid over-diagnosis,” she said.

According to Piprim, spitting up in infants occurs easily because the infant’s digestive tract functions are not yet fully developed, particularly the lower oesophageal sphincter that separates the stomach from the oesophagus. Additionally, the infant’s intake is still liquid (milk), stomach capacity is limited, infants spend much of their time sleeping, and oesophageal capacity is restricted.

In contrast, she noted that GERD occurs when stomach acid and stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus, causing distressing symptoms and/or serious complications.