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Alternative names Return to top
Chalasia; GE reflux; Reflux - infantsDefinition Return to top
Gastroesophageal reflux is the movement of stomach contents up the esophagus toward the mouth, rather than down through the digestive system (peristalsis).Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
In infants, a small amount of gastroesophageal reflux is normal. Persistent reflux with frequent vomiting, and subsequent irritation of the esophagus is indicated by unrelenting crying and discomfort. Reflux associated with weight loss or reflux that causes breathing difficulty is considered abnormal.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
There may be a history of episodes of aspiration pneumonia.
Tests that may be performed include:
Treatment Return to top
If your baby has reflux problems, prop him or her upright for one to two hours after feeding. This can be helped by use of a reflux board. When the infant begins to eat solid food, thickened foods are preferable to thin foods. Sometimes medications are used to help reduce symptoms, including antacids or Reglan (a prescription medication that improves peristalsis).
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The majority of infants outgrow this condition. In unusual cases, reflux may persist into childhood and can cause varying degrees of esophageal damage.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if your baby is vomiting frequently, especially if the vomiting is forceful or if other symptoms of reflux occur.
Prevention Return to top
Avoid allowing your baby to sit in a slumped position after meals.
Update Date: 1/12/2003 Updated by: Andrew J. Muir, M.D., M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |