GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX IN INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD

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 pulmona ry symptoms. Depending on the clinical symptoms, investigations may in clude pll-monitoring, upper gastrointestinal series and endoscopy, Gas trooesophageal reflux may be treated by parental reassurance, dietary advice, positional treatment, prokinetic agents and acid secretion inh ibitors. Surgery is rarely indicated.