What is meant by regurgitation in a medical context?

In a medical context, regurgitation refers specifically to the return of swallowed food into the mouth from the esophagus or stomach. This condition can occur for a variety of reasons, including issues related to digestion or problems with the esophagus. It is not merely the act of vomiting; rather, it's a less forceful expulsion where food and liquid come back up without the intense muscular contractions associated with vomiting.

Understanding this term is crucial in diagnosing related disorders. For example, it can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach content flows back into the esophagus. Awareness of the specifics of regurgitation can assist healthcare professionals in performing evaluations and determining appropriate treatments. The other answers address different symptoms or conditions that do not align with the definition of regurgitation itself.