Regurgitation

Regurgitation is the expulsion of material from the pharynx, or esophagus, usually characterized by the presence of undigested food or blood. Regurgitation is used by a number of species to feed their young. This is typically in circumstances where the young are at a fixed location and a parent must forage or hunt for food, especially under circumstances where the food has a short shelf-life and has to be consumed immediately.

Causes

Regurgitation can be a symptom of several medical conditions, including esophagitis, GERD, and rumination syndrome. It can also be a symptom of various conditions affecting the animal's nervous system or muscular system, or a symptom of a problem in the animal's esophagus or stomach.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of regurgitation involves a thorough physical examination, as well as a detailed history of the patient. The doctor may also order various tests, such as an endoscopy, to examine the esophagus and stomach, or a barium swallow, to visualize the esophagus and stomach on an X-ray.

Treatment

Treatment for regurgitation depends on the underlying cause. For example, if regurgitation is due to GERD, treatment may include medications to reduce stomach acid and lifestyle changes to reduce reflux. If regurgitation is due to a problem with the esophagus, treatment may include surgery to correct the problem.

See also

• Vomiting
• Rumination syndrome
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease