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It is common for infants to spit up after a meal, but frequent vomiting among infants may be caused by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), the upward movement of stomach content, including acid, into the esophagus and sometimes into or out of the mouth. Older children also can be affected.

What Causes GERD in Infants and Children?

Most of the time, reflux in infants is due to a poorly coordinated gastrointestinal tract. Many infants with the condition are otherwise healthy; however, some infants can have problems affecting their nerves, brain or muscles.

In older children, the causes of GERD are often the same as those seen in adults. Anything that causes the muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus (the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES) to relax, or anything that increases the pressure below the LES, can cause GERD.

Certain factors also may contribute to GERD, including: obesity, overeating, certain foods, some beverages, and specific medications. There also appears to be an inherited component to GERD, as it is more common in some families than in others.

What Are the Symptoms of GERD in Infants and Children?

The most common symptoms are:

• Frequent or recurrent vomiting
• Frequent or persistent cough
• Heartburn, gas, abdominal pain, or colicky behavior (frequent crying and fussiness)
• Regurgitation and re-swallowing

In young infants and children, some problems may be associated with GERD and include:

• Colic (frequent crying and fussiness)
• Feeding problems
• Recurrent choking or gagging
• Poor growth
• Breathing problems
• Recurrent wheezing
• Recurrent pneumonia

Will My Baby Outgrow Infantile GERD?

Yes. Most babies outgrow infantile GERD. However, reflux can occur in older children. In either case, the problem usually can be managed easily.