What are some of the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux?

As stated by this article by the University of Virginia, all of us have some form of GERD. We only consider reflux abnormal when there is too much of it or there are unusual symptoms associated with it. Most of the time, we don't feel much when we reflux, however sometimes when adults have gastroesophageal reflux, they complain of:

• heartburn

• indigestion

• a feeling of food getting stuck in their throat (the medical term for this is dysphagia)

• recurrent or persistent hiccups

While we assume that young infants may have the same symptoms, we don't know for sure. The most common symptoms that young infants seem to experience with gastroesophageal reflux are:

• frequent or recurrent vomiting

• heartburn, gas, or abdominal pain

Many other symptoms are sometimes blamed on gastroesophageal reflux(GERD), but much of the time, we really aren't sure whether reflux actually causes them. Some less common problems seen in young infants that are may be blamed on gastroesophageal reflux include:

• colic or recurrent abdominal pain

• recurrent episodes of choking or gagging

• feeding problems

• poor growth

• unusual posturing such as wry-neck (torticollis) or arching (opisthotonus)

• apnea

• recurrent episodes of wheezing or pneumonia

Please see your pediatrician if your baby is experiencing these symptoms. GERD can lead to damage to the esophagus, and often needs treatment with prescription medication.

--Becky5 10:51, 27 July 2007 (CDT)