AAP releases guideline for the management of gastroesophageal reflux in children.

Volume 89, Number 5 www.aafp.org/afp American Family Physician 395 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published a guideline on the management of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in children based on recommendations from the North American and European Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. It is important to determine whether the patient has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to facilitate appropriate treatment and to determine which patients need to be referred to a gastroenterologist. GER is defined as the physiologic passage of gastric contents into the esophagus and generally requires conservative management. GERD is reflux associated with troublesome symptoms or complications and may require further evaluation and treatment.