Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice
05:19

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice

Published on: August 25, 2015

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in children

S R Orenstein1, F Izadnia, S Khan

  • 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
|March 1, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Gastroesophageal reflux in infants often presents as simple regurgitation. Pathologic GERD requires a thorough history and emphasizes conservative and prokinetic therapy over acid suppression due to motility factors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infant Health
  • Digestive Diseases

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infants, typically as effortless regurgitation.
  • Pathologic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presents with serious complications like malnutrition, respiratory issues, and esophagitis.
  • Infantile GERD has a distinct pathophysiology necessitating a tailored diagnostic and management approach.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the diagnostic and management strategies for GERD in the pediatric population, particularly infants.
  • To highlight the importance of a thorough history in guiding diagnostic tests and treatment.
  • To emphasize the role of conservative and pharmacologic interventions in infantile GERD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of the diagnostic approach for infantile GERD.
  • Emphasis on clinical history to determine the need for further investigations.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies including conservative measures and pharmacotherapy.

Main Results:

  • A detailed patient history is crucial for diagnosing GERD and guiding management in infants.
  • Empiric and conservative therapies are vital due to limited differential diagnoses and unique infantile GERD factors.
  • Prokinetic pharmacotherapy is preferred over acid suppression due to the primary role of motility issues.

Conclusions:

  • Diagnostic and management strategies for infantile GERD should prioritize clinical history and conservative measures.
  • Therapeutic interventions should focus on motility factors with prokinetic agents, followed by acid suppression if necessary.
  • Understanding the unique pathophysiology of GERD in infants is key to effective treatment.

More Related Videos

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring06:46

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

Construction of a Wireless-Enabled Endoscopically Implantable Sensor for pH Monitoring with Zero-Bias Schottky Diode-based Receiver08:25

Construction of a Wireless-Enabled Endoscopically Implantable Sensor for pH Monitoring with Zero-Bias Schottky Diode-based Receiver

Published on: August 27, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) involves the recurrent backflow of the stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to troublesome symptoms and potential esophageal mucosal damage. Although GERD is often referred to as a disease, it is more accurately described as a syndrome, as it encompasses a range of symptoms and complications rather than a singular pathological entity, impacting a large number of individuals as the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal problem. Roughly...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease01:25

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...