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Definition
Symptoms
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Smaller amounts often occur with burping ("wet burps")
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Larger amounts can occur after overfeeding
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Usually seen during or shortly after feedings
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Occurs mainly in children under 1 year of age and begins in the first weeks of life
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Caution: normal reflux does not cause any crying
Complications
These complications occur in less than 1% of infants:
Cause
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Poor closure of the valve at the upper end of the stomach
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Main trigger: overfeeding of formula or breastmilk
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More than half of all infants have occasional spitting up ("happy spitters")
Reflux Versus Vomiting: How to Tell
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During the first month of life, newborns with true vomiting need to be seen immediately because the causes can be serious. Therefore, it's important to distinguish between reflux and true vomiting.
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Reflux: The following suggest reflux (spitting up): infant previously diagnosed with reflux, onset early in life (85% by 7 days of life), present for several days or weeks, no discomfort during reflux, no diarrhea, hungry, looks well and acts happy.
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Vomiting: The following suggest vomiting: uncomfortable during vomiting, new symptom starting today or yesterday, associated diarrhea, projectile or forceful vomiting, looks or acts sick.
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If not, see these topics
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