All age groups can suffer from reflux. Adults usually have a greater ability to "live with it" than children and infants. When a child suffers from reflux - the whole family can be affected. The cause is always the same. The stomach contents come back up into the esophagus creating a burning sensation and occasionally vomiting. There can be a problem if the reflux is frequent, not only because is it painful, but also because inflammation and damage can occur.
There are several theories as to why gastrointestinal reflux occurs in children; the failure of the sphincter separating the stomach and the esophagus, or the stomach emptying too slowly are two of the main theories. If your child is complaining of symptoms that sound like heartburn you should seek the help of a pediatric gastroenterologist. There are treatments that can help to stop the hurt.