Reducing the use of proton pump inhibitors in infants with reflux symptoms

What you need to knowRegurgitation and fussiness are common and transient symptoms in infancy and should be regarded as normal physiology in otherwise thriving infantsThe acid content of regurgitation and reflux is low during infancy; symptoms are caused more often by volume rather than acidIn clinical trials, proton pump inhibitors are equal to placebo for resolution of symptoms in infants with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease, even though reduced oesophageal acidity has been documentedRegurgitation is common in the first months of life, and concern of disease often prompts parents to seek medical care and advice. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors is common and increasing, but it is largely unnecessary and not supported by evidence in infancy. This article describes the clinical features that may reflect gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants and guidelines on management, which recommend against routine use of proton pump inhibitors for isolated reflux symptoms in infants.Gastro-oesophageal reflux in children…
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