Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) is a medical term doctors use to describe a condition where food and stomach acid flow back up (reflux) into the esophagus. A ring of muscles at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter )LES) opens and closes to all food to enter the stomach. The LES opens to release gas after meals.
More than gas may escape, however. The LES may also allow stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus and out the mouth. Parents often see the result of spitting up, though vomiting may also occur. GER can occur at times other than during or shortly after a feeding. Reflux can occur when babies cough, cry, or strain.
GER is common in infants and has its own name -- spitting up. Reflux occurs during the first three months of age in more than half of all infants. Many babies don't require treatment. Referred to as "happy spitters," their symptoms usually disappear between 12 and 18 months of age. However, for a small number of babies, symptoms of reflux are severe, and medical evaluation and treatment is needed.
Common infant GER symptoms are:
- Frequent spitting up or vomitting
- Irritability when feeding
- Refusing food or eating only small amounts
- Sudden or constant crying
- Arching the back while feeding
- "Wet" burps
- Frequent hiccups
- Frequent coughing or gagging
- Poor sleeping habits with frequent waking
