title: Gastroesophageal reflux disease in children and adolescents: when and how to treat.
abstract: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common presenting complaint in children and adults, and is a frequent reason for physician consultation. GER disease (GERD), whilst benign in the majority of cases, is frequently a chronic condition that has been shown to result in significantly reduced quality of life in children and adolescents. Furthermore, there is emerging evidence that the prevalence of GERD is rising and may have links to adult obesity and other morbidities. Consequently, accurate diagnosis, appropriate management strategies, and timely referral to specialist services are important principles in the effective management of GERD. Acid-suppressive drugs are effective therapies but are one of the most costly classes of drugs prescribed. Therefore, not only is an accurate diagnosis important to the patient, but it is also of significant interest from a public health and resource utilization standpoint.
authors: Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, British Columbia Childrens Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
authors: Matthew W
authors: MW
authors: Carroll
authors: Kevan
authors: K
authors: Jacobson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000464:Alginates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000465:Algorithms; D000863:Antacids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D049630:Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010528:Peristalsis / Q000187:drug effects; D015995:Prevalence; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D013392:Sucralfate / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D000863:Antacids; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D013392:Sucralfate