Treatment suggested for infant GERD

CHICAGO, May 22 (UPI) -- University of Chicago researchers say gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, may contribute to pediatric swallowing dysfunction.

The study further suggests that GERD treatment may improve the swallowing function in distress.

Infant swallowing is a highly coordinated process in which sensorimotor reflexes must be integrated at the brainstem level.

Any changes in this sequence can lead to difficulty in feeding and swallowing which may ultimately lead to aspiration, according to the research team at the University of Chicago and colleagues at Mayo Clinic, the Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital and Northwestern University.

The study suggests that treatment of acid reflux with anti-reflux medication or surgery can reverse the deleterious changes and thus improve swallowing in these children.

If an infant experiences swallowing problems and they are untreated, then the child is at risk for malnutrition, dehydration and respiratory problems.

The findings have been presented at the 21st annual meeting of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology in Chicago.