Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when a muscle located at the end of the esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, doesn't work properly, allowing acidic stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. This can cause symptoms such as frequent vomiting, heart burn and breathing problems.
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in children include:
Your child may have one or more tests confirming GERD, such as a pH probe study or esophagram. A pH probe study involves inserting a thin, flexible tube through the nose and down into the esophagus. The tube monitors the pH levels in the esophagus over 24 hours. In an esophagram, the child drinks a chalky liquid before a series of X-rays are taken of the esophagus. The liquid coats and outlines the esophagus in the X-rays.
Treatment of GERD depends on the severity of the symptoms. Some cases respond to medication. Children who have complications from GERD or persistent symptoms that don't improve with medication may be candidates for a surgical procedure called fundoplication.
In fundoplication, the upper portion of the stomach is wrapped around the lower portion of the esophagus, tightening the outlet of the esophagus as it empties into the stomach. After fundoplication, food and fluids can pass into the stomach but cannot back up into the esophagus. In most cases, fundoplication can be performed using a small telescope and miniaturized instruments placed through three to four Band-Aid size incisions on the abdomen. Typically, a large incision isn't required.
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.
Last updated
June 17, 2010
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