The Management of Reflux in Infants

Abstract

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is the involuntary passage of gastric contents back into the oesophagus and is a normal physiological process that occurs in healthy infants. It can be a common presentation in primary care as it affects over 50% of infants, and even uncomplicated reflux can be of real concern to parents. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) refers to the presence of troublesome symptoms or complications requiring further investigation and management, either in primary or in secondary care. Reflux may also be a symptom of other underlying pathology, such as gastrointestinal obstruction or neurological disease, and it is important that signs of these conditions are recognized to ensure timely and appropriate treatment. The primary role of the GP is to reassure parents of infants with uncomplicated GOR and to manage those infants with GORD or warning signals of underlying pathology appropriately.