Gastroesophageal reflux in children. Clinical presentation and diagnostic evaluation.

Gastroesophageal reflux in infants and children is common. It is distinguished from the disorder in the adult population by the large number of thriving infants with functional reflux and by the large proportion of older infants and children with secondary pathologic reflux, in whom vomiting and reflux are symptoms of another condition. Evaluation of the child with suspected reflux starts with a thorough history and physical examination. Diagnostic testing must be tailored to the suspected diagnosis.