[Gastroesophageal reflux as the basis of recurrent and chronic respiratory diseases]

Among many causes of relapsing and chronic respiratory diseases in children the authors revealed gastrooesophageal reflux (GER) in 53 of 106 examined children, i.e. in 50%. Therefore examination of GER was included in routine examinations of all children admitted on account of the following diseases: laryngitis rec., bronchitis rec., bronchitis obstructiva rec., pneumonia rec., bronchiectasy, bronchitis deformans, asthma bronchiale. GER was detected in 208 children aged 6 months to 15 years. All children were subjected to an X-ray examination by contrast substance and to sonography of the cardia. In clinically serious cases manometric and pH metric examinations were made. When GER was detected the authors recommended conservative treatment: postural position, restricted fluid intake before going to bed, elimination of cocoa and chocolate, antacids. A favourable effect of conservative treatment in the course of 1-2 years was recorded in 60 of 76 children, who attended check-up examinations, i. e. in 79%. In children where serious complaints persisted, in particular rec. pneumonia, the development of deforming bronchitis and bronchiectasy or dyspnoic attacks, the authors indicated after completion of examinations and agreement with surgeons, a surgical approach. Fundoplication was performed in 22 children, i. e. in 10% of the patients where GER was revealed.