[Problems of gastroesophageal reflux in childhood].

Gastro-esophageal reflux is common in infancy. However, in most of those children reflux disappears spontaneously at the end of the first year or during the second year of life. Thus, the authors suggest the hypothesis that gastro-esophageal reflux in infancy represents a delay in maturation of central structures for the motor function of the esophagus. Therefore conservative therapy during infancy is the treatment of choice for most of the infants. Additional factors however, such as severe cerebral or neurological damage, esophageal atresia, failure to growth and esophagitis make an early operative intervention often necessary. Likewise operative therapy is the treatment of choice in older children with symptoms of esophagitis or stenosis. Different diagnostic procedures are discussed briefly.