Prevalence of Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux During Childhood

Abstract

Symptoms suggestive of GER are not rare in childhood, yet only a fraction of children with symptoms are treated with over-the-counter antacids or histamine2 antagonists. Prospective longitudinal data are needed to determine which children with symptoms of GER actually have GER disease and are at risk of developing complications.

Fragile X Syndrome: A Review of Associated Medical Problems

“…Comparisons with a similar-aged typically developing population 24 showed a higher prevalence of GER.…”

What is the diagnostic utility of endoscopic scoring systems in children?

“…Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) which frequently occurs in otherwise healthy infants, refers to reflux without associated complications, and it generally resolves between 1-2 years of age (4,27). GERD is defined by the presence of reflux in combination with associated complications, and usually does not resolve spontaneously (28,29).…”

“…In clinical practice, it is important to make a distinction between GER and GERD. Since GERD symptoms are usually age-dependent and heterogeneous during childhood, it could be useful for clinicians to be able to assess the severity of esophagitis based on the presenting symptoms (4,27,30). In adults, several studies investigating the relationship between the symptoms and endoscopic findings of GERD reported a poor correlation (31-34).…”

“…2-7%, and that is likely to increase with advancing age (4). The diagnosis of GERD is often established on the basis of the symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation in adults (5,6).…”

Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children

“…In children aged 2-12 years, the main symptoms include regurgitation, vomiting, abdominal pain and feeding difficulties, but typical GER symptoms can be reliably assessed in children 8-12 years of age [11]. Nelson et al have shown how the GERD symptoms can vary depending on the age of the patient (Table 1) [3]. Table 1.…”