Introduction: In some cases, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) may be accompanied by duodenogastric reflux, forming non-acid reflux, which has a certain influence on the clinical presentation and the response to anti-reflux therapy. The study aimed to determine the role of non-acid reflux in children with recurrent and chronic respiratory diseases (RCRD).

Methods: All children with RCRD, for unknown reason, poorly responding to respiratory-specific therapy, hospitalized for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) screening, using dual pH-multichannel intraluminal impedance (pH-MII).

Results: The study was conducted in 42 children at the age Me – 2.75; IQR 1.08-9.42. The most common type of reflux was weakly acid reflux - 62.25 [36.425-121.225], then acid - 34.05 [12.875-71.65], alkaline - 1.75 [0 - 12.375] episodes per day (p <0.05). Non-acid reflux was more common in children with only respiratory symptoms - no esophageal manifestations of GERD. All types of refluxes were more often recorded in the upright compared to the supine position. In 70% patients, cough could be associated with reflux, while in 88% children reflux was non-acid (including 69% - weakly acid, 19% - alkaline), in 38% - acid.

Conclusions: Non-acid reflux is the main type of GER in children with RCRD refractory to standard therapy, which could be associated with cough in this patient population. 

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of comorbid diseases, that worsen the course and outcomes of respiratory pathology. The study aimed to determine role of esophageal symptoms in the diagnosis of GERD in children with recurrent and chronic respiratory diseases (RCRD).

Methods: The study included 125 children (70 boys, 55 girls), median 3,75 years (interquartile range, IQR – 1,21-9,38 years), with RCRD, refractory to standard therapy. GERD was diagnosed on the basis of clinical and complex instrumental examination, including fluoroscopy esophagus with contrast, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS), 24-hour esophageal pH-monitoring, dual pH-multichannel intraluminal impedance (pH-MII).

Results: In children with RCRD, the frequency of GERD was 86,4%. Among children without esophageal manifestations of GERD, pathological reflux was confirmed by instrumental methods in 81% of patients; in children with esophageal manifestations - 92%, with no statistically significant differences (p = 0,0637). Nonacid reflux is more common in patients without esophageal manifestations of GERD.

Conclusions: The frequency of GERD in children with RCRD is very high. It is possible to screen GERD in children with RCRD, independent on the presence of clinical esophageal symptoms.