Gastroesophageal reflux in infants and children

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.