Gastroesophageal reflux disease as a cause for emesis in infants

S G Jolley1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, USA.

Insights

Vomiting in infants may signal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Extended esophageal pH monitoring is key for diagnosis and guiding treatment for infants with GERD and vomiting.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Vomiting is a common symptom in infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • While not the most frequent symptom, its presence warrants thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the importance of comprehensive evaluation for infant vomiting potentially caused by GERD.
  • To highlight the role of diagnostic procedures in confirming GERD and guiding treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical history and physical examination are initial steps.
  • Sophisticated diagnostic procedures, particularly extended esophageal pH monitoring, are utilized.
  • pH monitoring helps confirm GERD and assess its link to respiratory issues.

Main Results:

  • Extended esophageal pH monitoring is the most reliable method for GERD diagnosis.
  • This monitoring provides crucial prognostic information and clarifies GERD's relationship with respiratory symptoms.
  • Findings inform the selection of optimal antireflux therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis of GERD in infants presenting with vomiting is essential.
  • Extended esophageal pH monitoring is vital for confirming GERD and directing management.
  • Reevaluation of infants with suspected recurrent GERD post-surgery requires the same diagnostic rigor.

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...
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,...
Hiatal Hernia01:25

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is the abnormal protrusion of the stomach or other abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.Normally, the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) lies below the diaphragm and is supported by the phrenoesophageal membrane, the diaphragmatic crura, and connective tissues. Weakening of these structures—due to aging, congenital defects like a short esophagus, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or heavy...