Gastro-oesophageal reflux and probiotic

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) refers to retrograde movement of gastric contents out of the stomach with or without regurgitation and vomiting. Regurgitation is defined as the passage of refluxed gastric content into the oral pharynx whilst vomiting is defined as expulsion of the refluxed gastric content from the mouth. The frequency of regurgitation may vary largely in relation to age and younger infants up to first month of age are more frequently affected by regurgitation. The effect of the intestinal microflora in the pathophysiology of GER and regurgitation is becoming in the last few years more evident even though the exact mechanisms of interaction between the intestinal bacteria and host are still unknown. Probiotic might play an important role in maintaining gut homeostasis by modulating intestinal barrier function, immunity, motility and influencing the gut brain interaction. The role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of GER could represent a promising field of research in the next future.