Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice
05:19

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice

Published on: August 25, 2015

Gastroesophageal reflux and unexplained chronic respiratory disease in infants and children

A Malfroot1, Y Vandenplas, M Verlinden

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Academisch Kinderziekenhuis V.U.B., Belgium.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|July 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was identified as a likely cause of severe chronic pulmonary disease in 63% of children. Treating GER led to respiratory symptom remission in most patients, highlighting the link between reflux and lung issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Severe chronic pulmonary disease in children can have multifactorial causes.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a potential but often overlooked contributor to pediatric respiratory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in children with severe chronic pulmonary disease.
  • To assess the impact of antireflux treatment on respiratory symptoms in this patient group.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized prolonged pH probe monitoring and gastroesophageal scintiscanning in 38 children (infants to 7 years) with severe chronic pulmonary disease.
  • Discontinued all prior treatments before diagnostic testing.
  • Administered antireflux medication (cisapride) to patients diagnosed with GER.

Main Results:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was detected in 24 out of 38 patients (63%).
  • Antireflux treatment controlled GER in 22 of 24 patients (92%), confirmed by improved pH monitoring and/or scintiscanning.
  • Eighteen of these 22 patients (82%) experienced remission of their pulmonary disease following GER treatment, compared to only 2 of 14 patients (14%) in the control group.

Conclusions:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a probable cause of severe chronic pulmonary disease in a significant proportion (63%) of pediatric patients.
  • Effective management of GER can lead to substantial improvement and remission of respiratory symptoms.
  • Combining pH probe monitoring and gastroesophageal scintiscanning enhances diagnostic accuracy for GER in pediatric respiratory patients.

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring06:46

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Breathing01:05

Breathing

The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
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...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
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,...