| Sometimes referred to as GER, heartburn
(which is actually just a symptom of reflux) or acid reflux, reflux is the
backward flow of stomach contents up the esophagus and sometimes out the
mouth. The esophagus is a long tube that carries food and liquids from your
mouth to your stomach. At the lower end of the esophagus, a valve called the
lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, opens when you swallow to let food and
liquids into your stomach, and then closes again to keep stomach contents
in their place. |
|
When the LES doesn't function properly it allows stomach
contents including hydrochloric acid to back up into the esophagus. This
is what causes the pain and damage from reflux. Our stomachs have a
protective lining to protect itself from the naturally occurring acid, the
esophagus, throat, nasal cavities, lungs and teeth do not. Over time,
repeated exposure to these areas by acid can cause increasing damage and
cause more serious complications.
It is thought that about one third of the adult population experiences
reflux at least once a month and that about 10% of the population
experiences reflux weekly or daily. As well, at least 50% of infants are
born with some degree of reflux simply from immaturity of the LES. Most of
these infants will not have complications and will outgrow it before they
are a year old. It is estimated that about 3% will not outgrow it and will
experience the more serious complications related to GERD.
When a baby throws up after nearly every feeding and numerous times
between feedings, parents may grow concerned and that there is something
seriously wrong with their baby and they seek medical advice. Fortunately,
most babies will spit up and/or throw up from their reflux and never have
any other problems, they will likely outgrow the condition by the time
they are one year and will never need medical treatment.
Reviewed By Dave Olson, MD
Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics
Graduate University of Michigan School of Medicine |
