Regurgitation in infants is best described as:

• A. It is very common and not necessarily problematic
• B. It is always a sign of disease
• C. It is extremely rare
• D. It is caused by feeding intolerance

Answer: (B)

Regurgitation in infants is typically a benign, very common phenomenon tied to immature gastroesophageal function. In healthy babies who are feeding well and gaining weight, spit-up after feeds usually represents physiologic reflux rather than a disease state. It often peaks in early infancy and gradually improves as the lower esophageal sphincter matures, with many infants outgrowing it by about 12 to 18 months. The situation becomes concerning only when there are warning signs such as poor weight gain or dehydration, persistent vomiting, feeding difficulties, respiratory symptoms, or blood in the stool or vomit—these would prompt evaluation for GERD or other conditions. For most infants, reassurance and simple feeding strategies are sufficient, since regurgitation described this way is not inherently a disease.