Gastroesophageal reflux in infants

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Digestive system

Chalasia; GE reflux; Reflux - infants

If your baby has reflux problems, prop him or her upright for one to two 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).

The majority of infants outgrow this condition. In unusual cases, reflux may persist into childhood and can cause varying degrees of esophageal damage.

• Esophageal irritation and inflammation (swelling)
• Esophageal stricture (scarring and narrowing)
• Pneumonia caused by stomach contents passing into the lungs

Call your health care provider if your baby is vomiting frequently, especially if the vomiting is forceful or if other symptoms of reflux occur.

Review Date: 10/13/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.