Gastroesophageal reflux in infants

Alternative names:

chalasia; GE reflux; reflux

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.