Regurgitation: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

At Emirates Hospital, we understand that regurgitation—the involuntary return of food or liquid from the stomach to the mouth—can be an uncomfortable and concerning symptom. It may be associated with gastrointestinal disorders, swallowing difficulties, or muscle dysfunction. Identifying the cause early helps in effective management and symptom relief.

Causes of Regurgitation

Regurgitation can result from digestive, neurological, or structural conditions. Understanding the cause is key to appropriate treatment.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A common condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing regurgitation, heartburn, and discomfort.
• Achalasia: A rare swallowing disorder where the esophageal muscles fail to relax properly, leading to food accumulation and regurgitation.
• Hiatal Hernia: A condition where the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, allowing acid and food to flow back into the esophagus.
• Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (Silent Reflux): Acid reflux that reaches the throat, causing regurgitation, coughing, and throat irritation.
• Esophageal Strictures or Motility Disorders: Narrowing or dysfunction in the esophagus can cause difficulty in swallowing and regurgitation.
• Overeating or Eating Too Quickly: Consuming large meals or eating too fast can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to regurgitation.

Diagnosis of Regurgitation

A thorough evaluation helps determine the underlying cause of regurgitation and guides the best treatment approach.

• Endoscopy (EGD): Examines the esophagus, stomach, and upper digestive tract for abnormalities.
• Esophageal Manometry: Assesses the muscle function and coordination of the esophagus.
• 24-Hour pH Monitoring: Measures acid reflux levels to determine GERD or silent reflux.
• Barium Swallow X-Ray: Helps detect structural abnormalities, strictures, or swallowing issues.

Treatment for Regurgitation

Treatment focuses on managing reflux, improving digestion, and addressing underlying conditions.

• Lifestyle and dietary modifications help reduce reflux triggers, including avoiding acidic foods, late meals, and overeating.
• Medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers lower stomach acid levels and improve symptoms.
• Surgical interventions like fundoplication or esophageal dilation may be needed for severe GERD, achalasia, or structural issues.

Related Treatments

• Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)