Hiatus hernia in infancy and childhood

Regurgitation of stomach contents is common in babies. One of the causes is gastro-oesophageal reflux due to an incompetent lower oesophageal sphincter, which may or may not be associated with a sliding hiatus hernia. Persistence of this defect will result in a pathological entity leading to reflux oesophagitis. If this symptom complex is not recognized, early disabling complications will result. The purpose of this study is to draw attention to the symptomatology of gastro-oesophageal reflux and hiatus hernia in infancy and childhood so as to improve our understanding of this entity and consequently allow earlier diagnosis, appropriate treatment and prevention of complications.