reflux happens when food and stomach acid flow from the stomach
back into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries
food from the mouth to the stomach. In adults, reflux is often
called heartburn or Reflux is common in babies and children, and
it is usually not a sign of a serious problem. Most babies stop
having reflux around 1 year of age. A child who continues to
have reflux may need treatment. What causes reflux? Reflux
happens because of a problem with the ring of muscle at the end
of the esophagus. The ring of muscle is called the lower
esophageal sphincter, or LES. The LES acts like a one-way valve
between the esophagus and the stomach. When you swallow, it lets
food pass into the stomach. If the LES is weak, stomach contents
can flow back up into the esophagus. In babies, this problem
happens digestive tract is still growing. Reflux usually goes
away as a baby matures. What are the symptoms? It is common for
babies to spit up (have reflux) after they eat. Babies with
severe reflux may cry,