Managing childhood gastro-oesophageal reflux

doi:10.1136/dtb.1997.351077

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 1997;35:77-80; doi:10.1136/dtb.1997.351077

Managing childhood gastro-oesophageal reflux

Gastro-oesophageal reflux, the involuntary passage of gastriccontents into the oesophagus, usually presents as regurgitationor vomiting. It is common in children, particularly infants;the symptoms are usually mild and require no specific treatment.^1,2Sometimes, however, symptoms are more severe or complicationsdevelop such as failure to thrive, respiratory disorders oroesophagitis. Here we consider the diagnosis of reflux in childhood,and review the treatments available and when they are needed.