Gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastrooesophageal reflux disease in infants and children.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is a norma physiological process occurring daily in healthy infants with similar frequency in both breast- and bottle-fed infants. It is generally considered uncomplicated and self-limiting, resolving spontaneously by 12-14 months of age. In contrast, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is associated with more severe symptoms and, on occasions, oesophagitis. In the small percentage of cases that do not respond to simple feeding measures, a trial for 2-4 weeks using an extensively hydrolysed formula may be considered. Thickeners and antiregurgitation feeds may help with the frequency of overt regurgitation. Feeding difficulties can be a problem in infants with reflux, with some suffering extreme aversion to texture. In the small percentage of infants who experience faltering growth, high-calorie formulae can be used. In those with severe feeding difficulties or severe faltering growth, tube feeding may be required. Infants should ideally be managed within a multidisciplinary team including a speech and language therapist, psychologist, dietitian and paediatrician.