Gastroesophageal reflux in infants

Alternative names:

chalasia; GE reflux; reflux

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)