Babies who regularly spit up after a meal do not necessarily have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics.

Reflux-related symptoms need to be effectively managed and treated, and in order to do so, pediatricians need to differentiate infants with physiologic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) from those with GERD.

GER refers to the regular passage of gastric contents into the esophagus. It is identified by the constant spitting up or regurgitation of stomach contents and occasionally occurs with other symptoms such as hiccups, coughing, irritability, and vomiting.

Over 60% of otherwise healthy babies experience GER and it is a subject of concern at 25% of all routine six-month doctor visits, according to the authors.

David Gremse, pediatric gastroenterologist, a professor at the University of South Alabama Medical School, and co-author of the research, said to USA Today:

“Having an infant who regurgitates regularly, regardless of whether they might have some worrisome symptoms such as coughing, choking or irritability to go along with it, can pose concern and a lot of hurdles for families until the child grows out of the problem.”

However, the majority of babies outgrow symptoms by the age of 1, according to Gremse.

GERD includes the problematic symptoms or complications linked to GER. The percentage of infants who experience GERD is much lower than those who are affected by GER. Symptoms may include irritability, vomiting, and regurgitation, as well as poor weight gain, refusal to eat, signs of stomach ache and trouble sleeping.

Doctors should follow the recommendations developed by the the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition when diagnosing and treating patients with GER and GERD, the experts said.

Lifestyle changes, such as feeding and/or position changes, are suggested as first-line therapy for both conditions.

The researchers pointed out that medications are only meant for infants with GERD. A recent study showed that doctors often label common symptoms in babies, such as spitting up, as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), however, frequent use of this diagnosis can result in overuse of medication.

Surgery can be dangerous and is typically only for kids who are at risk of potentially-fatal complications.

The number of reports of GERD in people of all ages is rising, the authors pointed out, however, it is still much less common than GER, which is experienced by the majority of healthy newborns.

The experts said:

“The AAP believes it is important for all pediatric health care providers to be able to properly identify and treat children with reflux symptoms, and to distinguish GER from more worrisome disorders so as to avoid unnecessary costs and treatments.”

Written by Sarah Glynn