Spitting up in early infancy is part of life and regurgitation after feeding occurs in approximately half of all infants between three and four months of age.
Spitting up, rarely causes pain or crying, and typically does not interfere with normal weight gain.
As the gastroesophageal spincter matures the percentage decreases to about 5% of infants by one year of life.
Gastroesophageal reflux refers to the proximal passage of gastric contents into the esophagus, with the without regurgitation and vomiting.
Gastroesophageal reflux is more of a cosmetic process than medical one and reassurance , coupled with smaller, more frequent feeds and holding the infant in an upright feeding is usually sufficient management.
For some infants, gastroesophageal reflux is troublesome and daily, and is referred to gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Measures that can be taken include utilizing the upright position for feedings, non-seated position for 20 to 30 minutes after feeding, frequent burping, thickening of formula, and expressed milk, elimination of dairy foods from the mothers diet and trial of hydrolyzed formula.
The suppression of gastric acid production can be achieved with proton pump inhibitors or a histamine2 receptor antagonist.