What it means
In the heart, valve regurgitation means a valve does not close tightly, so blood leaks back the wrong way, for example mitral regurgitation through the mitral valveMY-trul valvThe heart valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle.Full entry ; it often makes a murmur. In the digestive tract, it means food or acid coming back up into the throat or mouth without the effort of vomiting, as in gastroesophageal reflux diseasegas-troh-ih-sof-uh-JEE-ul REE-fluks dih-ZEEZA long-term condition in which stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus.gastr/o stomachesophag/o esophagus-al relating toFull entry . Infants often bring up small amounts of milk after feeds (spitting up).
For the nurse
For infants, teach burping during feeds and holding the baby upright afterward, and to report forceful vomiting, poor weight gain or breathing problems.
At a glance
| Spanish | regurgitación |
|---|---|
| Also written | regurgitate, regurgitated |
Related terms
gastroesophageal reflux disease
A long-term condition in which stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus.
mitral valve
The heart valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle.
heartburn
A burning feeling behind the breastbone or in the upper belly, often rising toward the throat.