In this episode of PEM Currents: The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Podcast, I explore the complexities of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastritis in children and adolescents. I’ll make the important distinction between gastritis – which is diagnosed only via endoscopy – and dyspepsia, the term best used to describe the symptoms many patients experience. I’ll dive into the latest clinical practice guidelines and discuss evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and treatment.







Topics covered include:









* The pathophysiology of GER and GERD in the pediatric population.







* Understanding dyspepsia and its clinical presentation.







* Diagnostic strategies and when to consider further evaluation.







* The role of lifestyle and dietary modifications in management.







* Pharmacological interventions, including the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and antacids.







* Current controversies and updates in pharmacological treatments.







* Management of gastritis and the consideration of Helicobacter pylori infection.









Join me as I scope out the nuances of gastroesophageal reflux and gastritis and provide practical insights for clinicians in the emergency setting.







PEMBlog







@PEMTweets on… sigh “X” (Twitter)







My Instagram







My Mastodon account @bradsobo







References







Rosen R, Vandenplas Y, Singendonk M, et al. Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Clinical Practice Guidelines: Joint Recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018;66(3):516-554. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000001889







Lightdale JR, Gremse DA; Section on Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Gastroesophageal Reflux: Management Guidance for the Pediatrician. Pediatrics. 2013;131(5):e1684-1695. doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-0421







Tighe M, Afzal NA, Bevan A, et al. Pharmacological Treatment of Children with Gastro-oesophageal Reflux. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;2014(11):CD008550. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008550.pub2







Sintusek P, Mutalib M, Thapar N. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Children: What’s New Right Now? World J Gastrointest Endosc. 2023;15(3):84-102. doi: 10.