Gastro-oesophageal reflux and chronic respiratory disease in infants and children: treatment with cisapride.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) has been implicated in such clinical phenomena as aspiration pneumonia, bronchospasm or wheezing, apnea, stridor, and hoarseness. Various tests have been used as an aid to diagnosing patients with chronic respiratory disease where GOR is a causal factor. Different forms of conservative treatment have been tried for GOR, including cisapride. Several studies have evaluated its effect on the pH profile and respiratory symptoms in patients with chronic respiratory disease and have demonstrated improvement of nocturnal wheezing, cough, and irritability. Our experience with cisapride is positive in children with GOR. Patients refractory to medical treatment have been surgically treated with good results.