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[Gastroesophageal reflux in infants and children]
1Leiter Abteilung Gastroenterologie und Ernährung, Universitäts-Kinderklinik, Zürich.
Insights
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants and children requires evaluation and treatment when complications arise. Management ranges from reassurance and dietary changes to medications, with surgery rarely needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a prevalent condition in infants and children.
- Symptoms necessitate medical evaluation when associated with failure to thrive, esophagitis, or pulmonary issues.
Purpose:
- To outline the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for pediatric gastroesophageal reflux.
- To differentiate between uncomplicated GER and reflux-associated complications.
Summary:
- Diagnostic tools include pH-monitoring, upper gastrointestinal series, and endoscopy, guided by clinical presentation.
- Treatment strategies encompass parental reassurance, dietary modifications, positional therapy, prokinetic agents, and acid suppressants.
- Surgical intervention for GER is infrequently required.
Impact:
- Provides a clinical framework for managing pediatric GER.
- Aims to reduce the morbidity associated with complicated GER in children.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the appropriate use of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Abstract:
Gastrooesophageal reflux is a common clinical condition in infancy and childhood. Evaluation and treatment are indicated if it is associated with complications such as failure to thrive, oesophagitis or pulmonary symptoms. Depending on the clinical symptoms, investigations may include pH-monitoring, upper gastrointestinal series and endoscopy. Gastrooesophageal reflux may be treated by parental reassurance, dietary advice, positional treatment, prokinetic agents and acid secretion inhibitors. Surgery is rarely indicated.