Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux/Disease in Infants
Description General Measures Referral ICD-10 code: P78.8-9 DESCRIPTION Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is the passive regurgitation of gastric content into the oesophagus. It may be a normal physiological phenomenon in infants, children and adults. It is noted by frequent positing/regurgitation of small amounts of milk/food. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is when GOR results in abnormal
ICD-10 code: P78.8-9
DESCRIPTION
Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is the passive regurgitation of gastric content into the oesophagus. It may be a normal physiological phenomenon in infants, children and adults. It is noted by frequent positing/regurgitation of small amounts of milk/food. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is when GOR results in abnormal or pathological complications.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Medicine treatment is not required in the absence of indications that necessitate referral (e.g. features of GORD).
- Counsel parent/guardian on the following:
- Explain that GOR is common and resolves in most children by the age of 12–18 months.
- Position infant upright after feeds.
REFERRAL
- Failure to thrive (growth faltering).
- Abnormal posturing with opisthotonus or torticollis (Sandifer’s syndrome).
- Respiratory symptoms, i.e. recurrent wheeze or cough, chronic obstructive airway disease, recurrent aspiration/ pneumonia, stridor, apnoea and apparent life-threatening events.
- Infants with suspected cow’s milk allergy.
- Infants who are overweight or obese.
Click here for the NEMLC Recommendations for medicine amendments (2020-4 review cycle).
Standard Treatment Guidelines And Essential Medicines List For South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-4_Version 1_June 2024
Chapter 2: Gastro-Intestinal Conditions, 2.3 Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux/Disease in Infants