ABSTRACT

Most cases of GOR are diagnosed clinically, but it can be confirmed by measuring the lower oesophageal pH over a 24-hour period (pH study) or performing a barium swallow. In the pH study, a pH <4 for over 4 hours is indicative of reflux. Simple measures such as positioning the baby upright after feeding and thickening feeds are most likely to help. Medical treatments include drugs that increase gastric motility (erythromycin, metoclopramide or domperidone), antacids (Gaviscon), protein pump inhibitors (omeprazole) and H2 receptor antagonists ( ranitidine),

of the stomach is wrapped around the lower oesophagus to increase the effectiveness of the sphincter) is performed.