Praktické lekárnictvo 1/2015

Gastroesophageal reflux in children

Reflux, defined as the passage of gastric contents into the esophagus, is a normal physiologic event associated with regurgitation. Reflux disappears gradually with gastrointestinal development in infants and children. Pathological reflux can causes problems and oesophageal mucosal erosion. Pathological reflus demonstrates by gastrointestinal as well as extraoesophageal symptoms. Modern diagnostics and antireflux treatment methods are avilable. Antireflux therapy is primarily based on lifestyle and dietary modification, pharmacologic therapy and surgery in appropriate cases. Antireflux pharmacotherapy covers proton-pump inhibitors, H2-receptor blockers, prokinetics, antacids and antifeflux milk formulas for infants. Pharmacist play an important role in counselling on antireflux treatment in children.

Keywords: gastroesophageal reflux, childhood, lifestyle modification, antireflux pharmacotherapy, pharmacist.