Pharyngonasal reflux: spectrum and significance in early childhood.

The radiographic and clinical findings of 57 infants and children demonstrating pharyngonasal reflux during barium swallow were reviewed. Pharyngonasal reflux is most frequent in the first 3 months of life and may occur in children with apneic episodes. Clinical symptoms in this group of children generally clear, even when reflux is severe. Pharyngonasal reflux may be associated with prematurity, neuromuscular disease, velopharyngeal incoordination, and other conditions but is usually of no consequence in very young infants.