Health Encyclopedia

Gastroesophageal reflux in infants

Definition

Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition in which stomach contents travels backward from the stomach to the esophagus, rather than down through the digestive system. This article discusses reflux in infants.

Alternative Names

Reflux - infants

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

In infants, a small amount of gastroesophageal reflux is normal. Persistent reflux with frequent vomiting leads to irritation of the esophagus and fussiness in the infant. Reflux associated with weight loss or reflux that causes breathing difficulty is considered abnormal.

Symptoms

Chronic cough
Excessive crying as if in pain
Excessive vomiting during the first few weeks of life
Extremely forceful vomiting
No breathing or breath-holding spells
Slow growth
Weight loss
Wheezing

Signs and tests

The health care provider can often make the diagnosis based on the patient's symptoms and physical examination.

Tests that may be done include:

Esophageal pH monitoring to determine how often and for how long stomach acid enters the esophagus
X-ray of the esophagus

Treatment

If your baby has reflux problems, hold him or her upright for 1 to 2 hours after feeding. Raise the head of the crib, if possible.

When the infant begins to eat solid food, thickened foods may help.

Sometimes medicines are used to reduce acid or increase the movement of the intestines.

Expectations (prognosis)

The majority of infants outgrow this condition. In unusual cases, reflux may persist into childhood and can cause varying degrees of esophageal damage.

Complications

Aspiration pneumonia caused by stomach contents passing into the lungs
Irritation and swelling of the esophagus
Scarring and narrowing of the esophagus

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if your baby is vomiting frequently, especially if the vomiting is forceful or if other symptoms of reflux occur.

References

Orenstein S, Peters J, Khan S, Youssef N, Hussain SZ. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 320.

Review Date:12/1/2008
Reviewed By:Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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