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. Reflux associated with weight loss or reflux that causes breathing difficulty is considered abnormal.
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 baby may have a history of breathing in foods or fluids into the lungs, leading to aspiration pneumonia.
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
Review Date: 9/28/2007
Reviewed By: Deirdre O’Reilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Also reviewed by Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Reviews provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. (10/13/2006)
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Newborn Care
