Regurgitation


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Regurgitation


Regurgitation occurs when food particles and liquid back up unexpectedly from the stomach into the esophagus and mouth. Regurgitation is caused by a weakness in the valve (lower esophageal sphincter) between the esophagus and the stomach that normally prevents food from moving back up from the stomach into the esophagus.

Regurgitation does not cause nausea or discomfort. Also, regurgitation is different than vomiting, because nausea and the awareness of soon becoming sick usually occur before vomiting. Regurgitation usually occurs without warning when a person is lying down or bending over.

Credits


Author Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
Last Updated May 8, 2007

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Last updated: May 08, 2007
Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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