Management of Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux

Guidelines stress the importance of distinguishing between physiologic gastroesophageal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Sponsoring Organization: This American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report is based on 2009 evidence-based guidelines developed by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.

Purpose and Objective: To help pediatric clinicians identify patients with simple gastroesophageal reflux (GER) whom they can manage with minimal testing and conservative treatment and those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who require consultation with a gastroenterologist.

Key Points:

Definitions: GER is a normal physiologic phenomenon occurring in most infants. In contrast, GERD implies esophagitis and can include weight loss, mucosal injury, abdominal pain, and back arching. Extraesophageal symptoms can include re…

Reviewing Author

Louis M. Bell, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH Institutional Clinical and Translational Science Award; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National Center for Pediatric Practice Based Research Learning; Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute

Editorial BoardsCurrent Problems in Pediatric Adolescent Healthcare

Leadership Positions in Professional Societies College of Physicians of Philadelphia (Board of Trustees)