Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Children

Question 1

Describe the Physiological and Pathological types of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Children

Answer 1

○ Physiologic GERD:
Newborns have physiologic esophageal reflux, aka “wet burp,” due to immature lower esophageal sphincter.
This is asymptomatic, “happy spitter” - 60% of those age 0-6 months regurgitate at least once a day.
Heals over ~ 6 months. Can be difficult to distinguish from true vomiting.

○ Pathologic GERD: more likely if there is failure to thrive, significant irritability from the regurgitation, respiratory complications, Sandifer syndrome. (spasmodic torsional dystonia, back arching).

Question 2

Risk factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Children

Answer 2

Neurological impairment.

Obesity.

Esophageal abnormalities.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Prematurity.