Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common digestive disorder that can occur in people of all ages, causing heartburn or an unpleasant taste in the throat. GER can be more difficult to detect in infants and children, and can cause serious complications such as sleep apnea, breathing problems, and malnutrition. Treatment for adults includes lifestyle modifications, while children may require medical intervention.
Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as GER, is a common digestive disorder that can occur in people of all ages. Symptoms of GER can include heartburn or an unpleasant, sour taste in the back of the throat. Gastroesophageal reflux can be more difficult to detect in children, especially infants who are still breast or bottle feeding.
Single episodes of gastroesophageal reflux occur in most people, including infants, children, and adults, and are not serious when they occur infrequently. GER occurs when some of the stomach contents are regurgitated into the throat. This happens because the lower esophageal sphincter, which acts as a valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach, remains partially open after a meal instead of closing completely. In some cases the valve may open on its own, even if the food has not been eaten recently.
The regurgitated liquid, which contains a small amount of stomach acid, can cause inflammation in the lining of the esophagus. This inflammation causes the most characteristic symptom of gastroesophageal reflux, chest pain and burning sensation which is commonly referred to as heartburn. Someone suffering from GER may also be able to feel stomach acid or food in the back of the throat. Many people find out they are having an episode of gastroesophageal reflux after eating a heavy meal or particularly spicy food.
For most adults, treating gastroesophageal reflux is simple, as the occasional symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux are easily relieved with antacids. In some cases, heartburn episodes can become more frequent, resulting in gastroesophageal reflux disorder, also called GERD. This disease, characterized by two or more episodes of heartburn or acid reflux in one week, can cause chronic inflammation and irritation of the esophagus that can increase the risk of cancer. Dietary changes, weight loss, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications are often recommended for treating adults with GERD.
Children with gastroesophageal reflux may not always experience the same symptoms as adults. They may cough or have a sore throat and may not necessarily have heartburn. Infants who are still breastfed or bottle fed may appear to have colic or may simply be thought of as a fussy baby, particularly after feeding.
In children and infants, GER can become particularly serious as the disease can cause sleep apnea, breathing problems and malnutrition. Children with the disease tend to vomit after most meals, spitting up with greater force than normal. Symptoms are thought to be more common in children with Down syndrome, as children with this genetic disorder often have poor muscle tone.
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