Gastroesophageal reflux in infants

[Britney]

Gastroesophageal reflux is the movement of gastric contents into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is reflux that causes complications such as irritability, respiratory problems, and poor growth. Diagnosis is often made clinically, including by trial of dietary change, but some infants require an upper gastrointestinal series, use of esophageal pH and impedance probes, and sometimes endoscopy. Gastroesophageal reflux requires only reassurance. Treatment of GERD begins with modification of feeding and after-feeding positioning; some infants require acid-suppressing drugs such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers. Antireflux surgery is rarely needed.
Gastroesophageal reflux occurs in almost all infants, manifesting as wet burps after feeding. Incidence of gastroesophageal reflux increases between 2 months and 6 months of age (likely due to an increased volume of liquid at each feeding) and then starts to decrease after 7 months. Gastroesophageal reflux resolves in about 85% of infants by 12 months and in 95% by 18 months. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), that is, reflux that causes complications, is much less common.