How Reflux Presents

Reflux commonly presents with vomiting or posseting but there are other signs children can present with. Some babies reflux without it coming out of their mouths (termed silent reflux) which can cause more damage, but be more difficult to diagnose. The term ‘Silent Reflux’ can be confusing, because silence is generally not one of the signs they exhibit.

The list below gives a general overview of some of the signs that may be displayed. A child with reflux will not necessarily display all of them, and the number of signs exhibited does not indicate the severity of their ‘reflux’.

• Irritability/crying/screaming
• Vomiting, posseting or regurgitation;
• Recurrent hiccups;
• ‘Wet’ burp or hiccups
• Feeding problems
• refusal to feed or only taking a small amount despite being hungry
• comfort feeding- wanting to feed frequently
• pulling away and arching their back
• crying during or after feeds
• gagging/spluttering
• displaying a fear of food or unwillingness to eat
• Sleeping issues
• catnapping during the day
• frequent night waking (though some refluxers do sleep well at night)
• easily disturbed from sleep
• Congestion, ‘snuffling’ or appearing to have a cold
• Hoarse voice
• Appearing to be in pain;
• Failure to thrive;
• Repeated chest infections;
• Recurrent ear, throat or sinus infections
• Wheezing/coughing
• Choking
• Gagging themselves (using their hand/fist/fingers)
• Dental erosion

There are other signs your child may display as well. If you suspect your child may have reflux (either gastro-oesophageal reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease), or have any concerns, it is important to discuss this with your child’s doctor or child health nurse. Reflux is not the only cause of these signs, and there can be other reasons for their issues or behaviour.