Reflux vomiting

• Published in: Archives of disease in childhood 1990-09, Vol.65 (9), p.996-999
• Main Author: Milla, P J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Care and treatment; Causes of; Child, Preschool; Children; Diagnosis; Esophagogastric Junction - physiopathology; Esophagus; Esophagus - physiopathology; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Gastroesophageal Reflux - complications; Gastroesophageal Reflux - physiopathology; Gastroesophageal reflux in children; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Medical sciences; Other diseases. Semiology; Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux; Pediatrics; Vomiting; Vomiting - etiology; Vomiting - physiopathology; Vomiting in children
• ISSN: 0003-9888; 1468-2044
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.65.9.996

Vomiting may occur by regurgitation of stomach contents due to gastroesophageal reflux, the backflow of stomach contents from the stomach to the esophagus. Vomiting may also result from the activation of an automatic vomiting response called the emetic reflex. Reflux vomiting is common in young infants, and if serious, may cause failure to thrive, inflammation of the esophagus, and various blood and respiratory complications. One study showed that reflux vomiting stops in most children by 18 months of age, but may continue in 30 percent of children until four years of age. The prevalence and incidence of complications of reflux vomiting are not known. The anatomy and physiology of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter, a circular muscle that controls the movement of food and fluids between the esophagus and stomach, are described. In addition, the mechanisms of gastroesophageal reflux are discussed. The procedure for testing a child suspected of having gastroesophageal reflux involves assessment for: the presence and severity of gastroesophageal reflux; the presence of complications; and the occurrence of underlying disease that may be causing the gastroesophageal reflux. Reflux vomiting can be controlled by various techniques including positioning, thickening of feeds, medications, and surgery. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)