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Severe non-obstructive sleep disturbance as an initial presentation of gastroesophageal reflux disease

M M Carr1, L Brodsky

  • 1Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Kaleida Health Corporation, NY 14222, USA. mm.carr@utoronto.ca

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|January 5, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric sleep disturbances can be an atypical symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Prompt diagnosis and treatment of GERD resolved the child's sleep issues, highlighting GERD's varied presentations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presents with diverse symptoms in children.
  • GERD is increasingly recognized as a factor in pediatric sleep disturbances.
  • Accurate diagnosis of GERD is crucial for effective management.

Observation:

  • A 2.5-year-old child experienced sleep disturbance initially misdiagnosed as behavioral.
  • The child exhibited several atypical symptoms suggestive of GERD.
  • The sleep disturbance resolved rapidly following GERD treatment.

Findings:

  • Sleep disturbance in a child was effectively treated by addressing underlying gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • This case underscores the varied and sometimes non-obvious clinical manifestations of GERD in pediatric patients.
  • Atypical GERD symptoms can mimic other pediatric conditions, complicating diagnosis.

Implications:

  • Pediatric otolaryngologists should consider GERD in children with unexplained sleep disturbances.
  • Early identification of atypical GERD symptoms can prevent prolonged misdiagnosis and treatment.
  • Recognizing the protean manifestations of GERD is vital for pediatric healthcare providers.

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