How Reflux presents
The list below gives a general overview of some of the signs and symptoms of infant reflux 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’.
Reflux is not the only cause of these signs, and there can be other reasons for their issues or behaviour. Healthy infants can also reflux at times. Children with reflux do not necessarily vomit – this is commonly called silent reflux. Remember, all that cries isn’t reflux and it can be dangerous to assume it is.
Written by Glenda Blanch (RISA Inc member) and author of “Reflux Reality: A Guide for Families” in association with RISA Inc © 2010
Additional information on gastro-oesophageal reflux is provided in our book “Reflux Reality: A Guide for Families”.
Symptoms in Infants and Children under the age of 2 years
- Irritability, excessive crying or screaming
- Vomiting, posseting or regurgitation
- Appearing to be in pain
- Recurrent hiccups
- ‘Wet’ burp or hiccups
- Congestion, ‘snuffling’ or appearing to have a cold
- Bad or sour smelling breath
- Feeding issues
– displaying a fear of food or unwillingness to eat
– pulling away and arching their back
– crying during or after feeds
– refusal to feed or only taking a small amount despite being hungry
– comfort feeding- wanting to feed or suck frequently - Sleeping issues
– catnapping during the day
– difficulty settling
– frequent night waking (though some refluxers do sleep well at night)
– restless or easily disturbed sleep - Hoarseness
- Gulping, Gagging, spluttering
- Difficulty swallowing
- Respiratory problems e.g. choking, coughing, wheezing or frequent chest infections
- Weight issues e.g. inadequate weight gain, weight loss or excessive weight gain
- Frequent red, sore throat, with infection not necessarily a factor
- Recurrent ear, throat or sinus infections or croup
- Drooling or excessive salivation
- Dental erosion/decay
- Gagging themselves (using their hand/fist/fingers)
Symptoms in Older Children
- Nausea, vomiting or indigestion
- Heartburn, pain or discomfort in their chest or abdomen
- Feeling of a lump in their throat, frequent throat clearing
- Bitter or sour taste in their mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic red, sore throat
- Sleeping issues e.g. insomnia, night waking
- Eating issues e.g. low appetite, fussy eating or constant grazing
- Respiratory issues e.g. wheezing, coughing, chest infections
- ENT (ear, nose and throat) issues e.g. sinus infections, hoarseness
- Behavioural issues
Information initially reviewed by:
Dr Anthony Catto-Smith, Director, Department of Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. Victoria. Australia With the exception of Professor Geoff Cleghorn’s presentation which is his own work. Reviewed July 2021References
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CDHNF. (2005). Parent’s Checklist for REFLUX in Infants 0-12 months old. Retrieved August 8, 2010, from Pediatric GERD: http://gerd.cdhnf.org/User/Docs/pdf/GERD_Checklist.pdf
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NDDIC. (2006, August). Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children and Adolescents. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerinchildren/index.htm
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