Skip to main content

Regurgitation

Regurgitation occurs when food particles and liquid back up unexpectedly from the stomach into the esophagus and mouth. Regurgitation is caused by a weakness in the valve (lower esophageal sphincter) between the esophagus and the stomach that normally prevents food from moving back up from the stomach into the esophagus.

Regurgitation does not cause nausea or discomfort. Also, regurgitation is different than vomiting, because nausea and the awareness of soon becoming sick usually occur before vomiting. Regurgitation usually occurs without warning when a person is lying down or bending over.

Current as of: October 19, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise 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.