Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers to the association of symptoms or complications due to the reflux of gastric contents into the esophageal lumen. This is important to distinguish from gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is the reflux of food contents into the esophagus and oropharynx. GER is common in newborns, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 50%. It is most common in neonates and incidence decreases with age, often extinguishing by 12 months of age. It is rare for infants to have GER beyond 18 months of life.
It is unclear whether a higher frequency of GER events predisposes infants to GERD.
Patients with chronic cough and impaired mucosal clearance (eg, cystic fibrosis) and esophageal dysmotility (eg, esophageal atresia following repair) are predisposed to GERD.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease in Infant/Neonate
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:
K21.00 – Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, without bleeding
K21.9 – Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis
SNOMEDCT:
235595009 – Gastroesophageal reflux disease
K21.00 – Gastro-esophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, without bleeding
K21.9 – Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis
SNOMEDCT:
235595009 – Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Tracheoesophageal fistula
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Gastritis
- Achalasia
- Esophageal spasm
- Gastroparesis
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Celiac disease
- Crohn disease
- Eosinophilic esophagitis or eosinophilic gastroenteritis
- Cow's milk protein allergy
- Pyloric stenosis
- Colic
- Esophageal ring or stricture
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
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References
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Last Reviewed:10/01/2018
Last Updated:01/16/2022
Last Updated:01/16/2022
Patient Information for Gastroesophageal reflux disease in Infant/Neonate
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease in Infant/Neonate