Gastroesophageal reflux in babies

Gastroesophageal reflux is a backflow (reflux or regurgitation) of food and stomach acid into the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. When reflux irritates the lining of the esophagus and causes burning pain, difficulty eating, weight loss, or other problems, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Most babies have reflux. Babies with reflux may spit up. And some healthy babies may spit up frequently. Babies who have GERD may cry, vomit, and act fussy. Reflux usually goes away by the end of a baby's first year.

Sometimes GERD causes breathing problems, if the baby breathes stomach contents into the lungs.

Current as of: October 19, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 
 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.

Health Information Library