[Gastroesophageal reflux and diseases of the respiratory system in children; etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment].

16 children with various pulmonary symptoms were presented. Gastrooesophageal reflux was diagnosed as a cause of that. The causal correlation between gastrooesophageal reflux and respiratory symptoms was established on the ground of 24-hour monitoring of oesophageal pH, radioisotopic examination of the stomach and oesophagus, evaluation of the bronchial reactivity to the acidification of the oesophagus and of the allergic tests. Eventually surgical treatment was performed in all children which resulted in the complete remission of the symptoms or marked subjective improvement. It has been shown that gastrooesophageal reflux is an important cause of acute or chronic lung disease. The close collaboration should be established between pediatricians and pediatric surgeons in the treatment of gastrooesophageal reflux.