Gastroesophageal reflux disease  in infants. Myths and misconceptions, where is the evidence?
Infantile gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common self-limited, physiological phenomenon. Infantile gastroesophageal reflux becomes pathological (gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]) when symptoms become more severe or are associated with complications such as failure to thrive or hematemesis. Though it is a very common condition, there are several misconceptions and myths on GER/GERD diagnosis and management. Inappropriate investigations are frequently requested and unnecessary medications are increasingly prescribed, particularly in infants with symptoms attributed to possible GER/GERD. Several therapeutic interventions are used widely in GERD management, although some evidence is either insufficient or controversial.
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. asarkhy@hotmail.com/aalsarkhy@ksu.edu.sa
Ahmed A
AA
Sarkhy
D004035:Diet Therapy; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005183:Failure to Thrive / Q000209:etiology; D018662:Fundoplication; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006396:Hematemesis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007234:Infant, Premature; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D055990:Therapeutic Misconception