Open AccessUnderstanding gastroesophageal reflux disease in children
Author(s) -
Chloe Friedman,
Gianna Sarantos,
Sidney Katz,
Sheryl L. Geisler
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of the american academy of physician assistants
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.24
H-Index - 17
ISSN - 0893-7400
DOI - 10.1097/01.jaa.0000731488.99461.39
Subject(s) - gerd , medicine , failure to thrive , reflux , disease , psychological intervention , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , intervention (counseling) , refractory (planetary science) , psychiatry , physics , astrobiology
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder with increasing prevalence in children. The diagnosis and management of GERD remains a challenge because of its nonspecific symptomatology from infancy through adolescence. Certain presenting alarm symptoms warrant a further, more extensive workup. Treatment of pediatric GERD begins with lifestyle and nonpharmacologic management, including postural adjustments, dietary changes, and weight loss if indicated. Pharmacologic interventions can be prescribed to relieve symptoms for patients whose disease does not respond to lifestyle management. Patients with refractory symptoms can be managed with surgical intervention. Complications may arise if GERD remains untreated, ranging from worsening oral health to failure to thrive.