Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Gastroesophageal reflux happens when food and stomach acid flow from the stomach back into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. In adults, reflux is often called heartburn or acid reflux. This can also cause pain and swelling in the esophagus (esophagitis). Reflux is common in babies and children, and it's most often not a sign of a serious problem. Most babies stop having reflux around 1 year of age. A child who continues to have reflux may need treatment. Gastroesophageal reflux happens because of a problem with the ring of muscle at the end of the esophagus. The ring of muscle is called the lower esophageal sphincter. It acts like a one-way valve between the esophagus and the stomach. When your child swallows, the valve lets food pass into the stomach. If the valve is weak, stomach contents can flow back up into the esophagus. In babies, this problem happens because the digestive tract is still growing. Reflux usually goes away as a baby matures. It is common for babies to spit up (have reflux) after they eat. Babies with severe gastroesophageal reflux may cry, act fussy, or have trouble eating. They may not sleep well or grow as expected. An older child or teen may have the same symptoms as an adult. He or she may cough a lot and have a burning feeling in the chest and throat (heartburn). He or she may have a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. If stomach acid goes up to the throat or into the airways, a child may get hoarse or have a lasting cough. Reflux can also cause pneumonia or wheezing, and it may hurt to swallow. To find out if a child has gastroesophageal reflux, a doctor will do a physical exam and ask about symptoms. A baby who is healthy and growing may not need any tests. If an older child or teen is having symptoms, the doctor may want to see if medicines help before doing tests. If a baby is not growing as expected or treatment doesn't help a teen, the doctor may want to do tests to help find the cause of the problem. Common tests include: Most babies stop having gastroesophageal reflux over time, so the doctor may just suggest that you follow some steps to help reduce the problem until it goes away. For example, it may help to: For older children and teens, it may help to: If these steps don't work, the doctor may suggest medicine. Medicines that may be used include: Before you give your child any over-the-counter medicine for reflux: Children with reflux rarely need surgery. It may be an option for babies or children who have severe reflux that causes breathing problems or keeps them from growing. Current as of: October 6, 2021 Author: Healthwise Staff Next Section: Previous Section: Next Section: Previous Section: Current as of: October 6, 2021 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review:John Pope MD - Pediatrics & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Arvydas D. Vanagunas MD - Gastroenterology This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Gastroesophageal Reflux in Babies and Children
Condition Basics
What is gastroesophageal reflux in babies and children?
What causes it?
What are the symptoms?
How is it diagnosed?
How is gastroesophageal reflux treated in babies and children?
Related Information
Credits
Medical Review:
John Pope MD - Pediatrics
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Arvydas D. Vanagunas MD - Gastroenterology
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: October 6, 2021 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review:John Pope MD - Pediatrics & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Arvydas D. Vanagunas MD - GastroenterologyGastroesophageal Reflux in Babies and Children