Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice
05:19

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice

Published on: August 25, 2015

Gastroesophageal reflux: natural evolution, diagnostic approach and treatment

Badriul Hegar1, Yvan Vandenplas

  • 1Department of Child Health, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|May 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infants, but distinguishing normal reflux from GER disease is crucial. Understanding the natural course of infant regurgitation aids in appropriate management and avoids unnecessary interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a normal physiological process in infants.
  • Regurgitation, the passage of gastric contents into the pharynx or mouth, is a common manifestation.
  • Limited studies exist on the prevalence and natural history of infant regurgitation, complicated by interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the natural evolution of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants.
  • To differentiate normal GER from GER disease for optimal pediatric patient care.
  • To guide interventions by understanding the course of infant regurgitation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing cross-sectional and retrospective studies on infant regurgitation.
  • Analysis of the challenges in evaluating the natural course of GER due to interventions.
  • Focus on identifying symptomatic GER in pediatric patients.

Main Results:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a normal process in healthy infants.
  • Regurgitation is the expulsion of refluxed gastric contents.
  • Distinguishing GER disease is vital for effective treatment and avoiding invasive diagnostics.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate assessment of infant regurgitation is necessary to identify GER disease.
  • Optimal management requires understanding the natural course of GER.
  • Parent-reported reduction in regurgitation is a key treatment goal.

More Related Videos

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring06:46

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

Technical Considerations and Approach to Redo Foregut Surgery04:14

Technical Considerations and Approach to Redo Foregut Surgery

Published on: September 22, 2023

Related Concept Videos

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...
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,...
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...
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...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
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...