Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
Disease Information
Overview
Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus, and reflux means to return, so gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, is the flow of acidic stomach juices, food or fluids back up into the esophagus.
- Reflux is very common in infants; it is the most common cause of vomiting during infancy.
- In most babies, the problem will resolve on its own, however in some cases medical management may be needed.
How Children's approaches gastroesophageal reflux:
Surgery is only recommended in extreme cases, but if it is necessary, your child is in good hands at Children's, where the surgeons have extensive experience performing laparoscopic fundoplications, using state-of-the-art robotic surgery equipment.
