GERD(Gastroesophageal reflux disease)

This is the most common disorder of esophagus (food pipe) in children. GER is the retrograde movement of gastric contents across LES into the esophagus, thus exposing esophagus to acid. Occasional episodes are normal. Frequent and excessive episodes lead to injury (inflammation) to lining of esophagus, a condition called as GERD.

Typical symptoms:

In infants and young children
• Regurgitation / vomiting of feeds
• Irritability
• Arching of neck
• Choking , gagging
• Feeding aversion / refusal to feeds
• Failure to thrive (not gaining weight)

Older children have – Heart burn (burning sensation in chest)
• Abdominal and /or chest pain
• Vomitings