Gastroesophageal reflux in infants

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Digestive system

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Gastroesophageal reflux in infants

Definition:

Gastroesophageal reflux is the movement of stomach contents up the esophagus toward the mouth, rather than down through the digestive system (peristalsis).

Alternative Names:

Chalasia; GE reflux; Reflux - infants

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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.

Review Date: 11/10/2004
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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