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Gastroesophageal reflux in infants

J Dipalma1, A R Colon

  • 1Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C.

American Family Physician
|March 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Gastroesophageal reflux affects 1 in 500 infants, with most cases resolving by 18 months. Initial treatments include thickened formula and positioning, but medication or surgery may be necessary for persistent symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infant Health

Background:

  • Clinically significant gastroesophageal reflux (GER) affects approximately 0.2% of infants.
  • GER symptoms typically resolve spontaneously in a majority of affected infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the clinical presentation and management of infant gastroesophageal reflux.
  • To outline common therapeutic approaches and outcomes for infant GER.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on infant gastroesophageal reflux.
  • Analysis of typical symptom resolution rates and treatment efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Symptoms of GER resolve in 60-80% of infants by 18 months of age.
  • Initial management often involves conservative measures like thickened formula and altered infant positioning.
  • Refractory cases may require pharmacologic or surgical interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Infant gastroesophageal reflux is a common condition with a generally favorable prognosis.
  • Conservative management is effective for most cases, but advanced therapies are available for severe or persistent GER.

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