University of Virginia Health System

Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants

Most infants occasionally "spit up" or "throw up" after they eat. Some infants spit up or throw up so frequently that they are said to have gastroesophageal reflux. This term describes splashing or pushing of stomach contents backwards up into the esophagus, and sometimes, out the mouth. All of us have some reflux every day. Most of the time, reflux causes no problems or discomfort, and often, we are not even aware when it happens.

When a baby throws up after nearly every feeding and numerous times between feedings, parents often become concerned and they seek medical advice. They may be worried that there is something seriously wrong with their baby's stomach or intestinal tract. They may be concerned that

• there is an area of blockage or narrowing in their baby's intestinal tract
• they baby is not keeping enough food down to grow
• the baby has an ulcer
• the baby is allergic to milk

Fortunately, in the vast majority of cases, none of these are true. Most of the time, reflux in infants and children is due to incoordination of the upper intestinal tract rather than to any distinct anatomic abnormality and as a result, almost all babies with gastroesophageal reflux will ultimately outgrow this problem!

Most children suffering from gastroesophageal reflux are otherwise normal and healthy.  However, children who have developmental or neurological disabilities are more likely to suffer from gastroesophageal reflux than are children who are neurologically normal, and the symptoms of reflux in children with developmental disabilities are often more severe and/or more persistent. Often, parents of children with disabilities become worried that the frequent vomiting associated with GER may limit their child’s growth and development, or cause the child to aspirate and develop pneumonia or other respiratory symptoms.