Pathophysiology of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux is an extremely common paediatric problem, and its pathogenesis is complex and multifactorial involving anatomic, hormonal, environmental, and genetic factors (Fig. 72.1). The difference between physiological reflux (GER) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is often blurred by the anxiety engendered in parents, particularly first-time parents, by symptoms such as vomiting and irritability in young infants.