Take a look at this recently published paper which is available Open Source:

Puri, N. B., & Sanchez, R. E. (2025). Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children. Current Treatment Options in Pediatrics, 11(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40746-024-00321-5

The authors are well-respected and are part of the medical team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. They discuss a medical perspective on typical pathophysiology, GER symptoms, Red Flag Symptoms and differential diagnosis in infants and children/adolescents which can inform our practice as pediatric SLPs. The information is adapted from and consistent with ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN GERD guidelines. They remind us that currently, there is not a single diagnostic test for the diagnosis of GER, and discuss the current testing considered in patients with GER and technology that hopes to advance their care and diagnostics. Finally, they address current approaches to medical management that we must be aware of when working with our medical colleagues.

Being familiar with this information can help us speak from a perspective of knowledge, whether interacting with a neonatologist, a pediatrician or an intensivist or a GI doctor. We can then respectfully advocate regarding our added and valuable therapeutic perspective that considers the whole child, sensory, volume/intake issues, day to day realities, and the interventions that the medical perspective has not yet fully embraced, sadly.

Catherine