What is gastroesophageal reflux in children?

Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Reflux means to flow back or return. Reflux happens because the lower esophageal sphincter in babies opens easily. This allows the acidic stomach juices, food, and fluids to flow back into your child’s esophagus.

Reflux can happen at any age, but it’s common in babies. It is often a short-term (temporary) problem. But if it becomes a long-term problem, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What causes reflux in a child?

Reflux is often caused by problems with the lower esophageal sphincter. This is a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus. Normally, it opens to let food into the stomach and closes to keep food in the stomach. When this muscle relaxes too often or for too long, acid goes back into the esophagus. This causes nausea, vomiting, and heartburn.

As babies digest their food, the lower esophageal sphincter may open. This lets stomach contents go back up into your child’s esophagus. Sometimes the contents go all the way up. This causes your baby to vomit. Sometimes acid or material can pass into the windpipe (trachea) and cause coughing or infection. Other times, the contents may only go part of the way up the esophagus. This can cause heartburn or breathing problems. Or it may not cause symptoms.

What are the symptoms of reflux in a child?

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:

• Belching

• Choking

• Coughing often

• Fussiness around mealtimes

• Gagging

• Getting ear infections often

• Hiccups

• Having coughing fits at night

• Not wanting to eat

• Rattling sound in the chest

• Stomachache

• Wheezing

The symptoms of this condition may be similar to symptoms of other health problems. Have your child see their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is reflux diagnosed in a child?

Your child’s healthcare provider will examine your child and check their health history. Your child may need the following tests to diagnose reflux.

How is reflux treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Most babies with reflux have no symptoms other than spitting up often. As long as these children grow well and don’t have other issues caused by reflux, they don’t need treatment.

What are possible complications of reflux in a child?

Some babies with reflux may not vomit. Instead, their stomach contents may move up and spill over into the windpipe (trachea). This can cause wheezing and pneumonia. In rare cases, this can be life-threatening.

Babies with reflux who vomit often may not gain weight and grow normally. This can cause inflammation (esophagitis) or sores (ulcers) in the esophagus. These ulcers can be painful. They may also bleed. This can lead to anemia. This means too few red blood cells in the bloodstream. Over time, this may cause long-term problems. These can include esophageal narrowing (stricture) and abnormal cells in the lining of the esophagus (Barrett esophagus).

How can I help my child live with reflux?

Many babies with reflux will outgrow it by the time they are age 1. This is when the lower esophageal sphincter becomes stronger. For other babies, feeding and lifestyle changes and medicine can help. Work with your child’s healthcare team to create a care plan for your child.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call your child’s healthcare provider if your child vomits after every feeding or has new reflux symptoms.

Key points about gastroesophageal reflux in children

• Gastroesophageal reflux is a digestive disorder.

• It causes acidic stomach juices, food, and fluids to flow back into your child’s esophagus.

• This condition can occur at any age, but it’s common in babies.

• Most babies with reflux have no symptoms other than spitting up often. As long as your baby is growing well and has no other reflux symptoms, they won’t need treatment.

• Holding your baby upright for 30 minutes after feedings, reducing how much air they swallow, and burping them well during feedings may relieve reflux.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.

• Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your child’s healthcare provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.