One of the common causes of vomiting in Pediatrics is Gastroesophageal Reflux, which is the movement of gastric contents towards the esophagus and can reach the mouth in the form of vomit. Gastroesophageal Reflux in babies or infants is usually a normal condition up to a certain age as long as it does not compromise their growth and development, resolving spontaneously or physiologically at 7-9 months of age in more than 85% of cases, In case of compromising their health or life conditions, it is when it becomes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), causing irritability, repetitive respiratory problems and a lack of growth or weight gain.
GERD presents symptoms such as irritability, refusal to eat and / or respiratory symptoms (chronic cough, repetitive breathing problems, wheezing, stridor), intermittent apnea or episodes of opisthotonos and turning of the head to one side (Sandifer syndrome) and the most obvious is the lack of proper weight gain or weight loss. Other symptoms can be a burning sensation (in the chest, neck and / or throat). Continual belching or hiccups, bad breath or tooth decay in childhood
Its diagnosis is usually clinical, and associated with problems of intolerance or food allergies, it is confirmed by radiology studies and even endoscopy tests with biopsies. The vast majority resolve only with medical treatment, which includes ways of eating in terms of position and hours, amount of food and special foods, and medications that help gastric emptying and reduce stomach acidity; Although if the clinical conditions persist, it is when it is necessary to perform a surgery to eliminate this reflux and allow a better health condition in your child,
You should go to your Pediatrician if you notice that your child cries more than usual, usually after feeding, refuses to eat or cries and arches away from the bottle or breast during feedings, coughs, chokes, has wheezing or difficulties breathing, vomiting vigorously more than a few times in a 24-hour period, have bloody or black stools, continue to have reflux-related problems after age 1.
