Gastroesophageal reflux: let’s be clear on the meaning of the words

Key words: Gastroesophageal reflux, Non-interventionist approach, Pharmacological treatment

Although gastroesophageal reflux in infants is physiological and resolves spontaneously, pharmacological treatment in the paediatric population is continuously increasing despite the dissemination of recent guidelines that focus on a non-interventionist approach and emphasise the importance of ex-planation and reassurance. Acid reducing medications, widely used to alleviate manifestation commonly diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease, are ineffective for symptom relief and carry significant risk of harm. The factors that lead to overtreatment are not well understood. Probably, the use of the definition “gastroesophageal reflux” itself increases the perception of illness severity and influences parents’ interest in medicating their infants.