Infant Reflux Symptoms

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a condition that occurs when an infant's esophageal spincter either opens at the wrong times or does not close completely, allowing food to back up into the infant's esophagus. GERD is often temporary and can be treated with medications.

Vomiting

• Infants with GERD typically vomit or spit up numerous times each day. All babies spit up, but a baby with GERD spits up more often and regurgitates more of what he has eaten.

Pain

• Babies with GERD may appear to be in pain while eating or after eating. They may arch their back when they cry or pull up their legs to their chest.

Refusal to Eat

• Infants with GERD may refuse to eat because of pain and discomfort caused by the condition.

Weight Loss

• Infants with GERD may fail to gain weight steadily or may actually lose weight because of reoccurring vomiting.

Diagnosis

• A pediatrician may diagnose GERD based on a parent's description of symptoms or she may order medical tests such an endoscopy to look for problems with the esophagus.