Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux, the spontaneous passage of acidic gastric contents from the stomach into the esophagus, occurs frequently throughout life. In a survey of presumably normal adults, 36 per cent had the symptom compatible with gastroesophageal reflux — namely, heartburn — at least monthly, and 7 per cent reported daily distress.¹ To attribute this phenomenon solely to a decrease in lower-esophageal-sphincter pressure would be simplistic. A complex interaction of alterations in modulating factors (hormonal and neuronal), inherent factors (the length-tension relation of the sphincteric musculature), anatomic features, and environmental factors (such as food substances and abdominal pressure) is most likely to . . .