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Gastroesophageal reflux in children. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and therapy
M Glassman1, D George, B Grill
1Department of Pediatrics, New Rochelle Hospital Medical Center, NY 10802, USA.
Insights
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants is common. Pathologic GER, unlike physiologic reflux, requires medical evaluation and treatment for symptoms like poor weight gain or apnea.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a frequent condition in infants.
- Most infant GER is physiologic, causing no significant issues and needing little intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a clinical framework for understanding infant GER.
- To cover pathogenesis, natural history, diagnostics, and treatment of GER.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and clinical framework synthesis.
Main Results:
- Physiologic GER is common and benign in infants.
- Pathologic GER presents with irritability, apnea, poor weight gain, or respiratory issues, necessitating medical care.
Conclusions:
- A structured approach is vital for clinicians managing infant GER.
- Differentiating physiologic from pathologic GER ensures appropriate intervention.
Abstract:
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common occurrence during infancy. Most children have physiologic reflux that is of little consequence and requires minimal intervention. Pathologic GER, characterized by irritability, apnea, poor weight gain, or respiratory compromise, often requires diagnostic evaluation and aggressive treatment. A framework to help the clinician to understand the pathogenesis, natural history, diagnostic testing, and therapy of this disorder is presented in this article.