Pediatric Esophagitis Differential Diagnoses

  • Author: Jayant Deodhar, MD; Chief Editor: Carmen Cuffari, MD   more...
 
Updated: Mar 29, 2011
 
 

Diagnostic Considerations

In infants, gastroesophageal reflux may be difficult to differentiate from colic. Treatment often includes therapy for excessive gas or changing of formulas, especially because parents may note pain and crying, pulling up of legs, and abdominal distention.

Although most cases of colic self-resolve and require only conservative measures, a minority of infants may benefit from reflux therapy, specifically antacids or H2 antagonists. This is true especially if a history of frequent regurgitation or other characteristic posturing is noted by the parent or physician.

Differential Diagnoses

Proceed to Workup
 
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Jayant Deodhar, MD  Associate Professor in Pediatrics, BJ Medical College, India; Honorary Consultant, Departments of Pediatrics and Neonatology, King Edward Memorial Hospital, India

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Andrew S Chu, MD  Medical Director, CHOP Connection at Grand View Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Andrew S Chu, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and Society of Hospital Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Maria Rebello Mascarenhas, MBBS  Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Section Chief Nutrition, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Director, Nutrition Support Service, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Maria Rebello Mascarenhas, MBBS is a member of the following medical societies: American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jessica Wen, MD  Clinical Fellow, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Jessica Wen, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Medical Association, and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Stefano Guandalini, MD  Director, University of Chicago Celiac Disease Program, Section Chief of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition; Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital

Stefano Guandalini, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Gastroenterological Association, European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Carmen Cuffari, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology/Nutrition, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Carmen Cuffari, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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