- Knowledgebase: Information on Specific Illnesses
- Here you will find discussions of specific illnesses and their management.
- 54. Gastroesophageal Reflux - Top
- Definition
The movement of stomach contents up the esophagus in a direction against normal peristalsis. Adults may develop gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors
In infants, a small amount of reflux is normal. Persistent reflux with frequent vomiting, and subsequent irritation of the esophagus is indicated by unrelenting crying and discomfort. Reflux that causes breathing difficulty is considered abnormal.
Symptoms
excessive vomiting during the first few weeks of life
extremely forceful vomiting
chronic cough
wheezing
slow growth
excessive crying as if in pain
Signs And Tests
There may be a history of episodes of aspiration pneumonia.
Tests that may be performed include:
X-ray of esophagus (esophagogram using a radio-opaque dye)
pH probe monitoring of esophagus (see esophageal pH monitoring)
Treatment
Prop the infant upright for 1 to 2 hours after feeding. This can be helped by use of a reflux board. When the infant begins to eat solid food, thickened foods are preferable to thin foods. Sometimes medications are used to help reduce symptoms, including antacids or Reglan (a prescription medication that improves peristalsis).
Expectations (Prognosis)
The majority of all infants outgrow this condition. In unusual cases, reflux may persist into childhood and cause varying degrees of esophageal damage.
Complications
esophageal irritation and inflammation
esophageal stricture (scarring and narrowing)
pneumonia caused by aspirating stomach contents into the lungs
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if your baby is vomiting frequently, especially if the vomiting is forceful or if other symptoms of reflux occur.
- Updated: March 5, 2001
-
[e-Mail me the Knowledgebase]- [Search
our Knowledgebase] - [Question Not Answered?]
|
