Points to Remember

• GER occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus.
• GER is common in infants but most grow out of it.
• In infants, GER may cause spitting up, vomiting, coughing, poor feeding, or blood in the stools.
• Treatment depends on the infant’s symptoms and age and may include changes in eating and sleeping habits. Medication may also be an option. Only rarely and in severe cases is surgery required.

Hope through Research

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, through its Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, supports basic and clinical research into gastrointestinal diseases. Researchers are studying the risk factors for developing GER and what causes the LES to open, with the aim of improving future treatment for GER. They are also studying the efficacy and safety of drug therapy for the treatment of GER in children and investigating the effectiveness of medications compared with surgery.

This information was prepared in partnership with the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), the Children’s Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation (CDHNF), and the Association of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Nurses (APGNN). The information is intended only to provide general information and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. You should consult your child’s doctor about your child’s specific condition.

This article was produced by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Publications produced by the Clearinghouse are reviewed by both NIDDK and outside experts. This publication was reviewed by NASPGHAN.