GE Reflux: A medical diagnosis that’s literally hard to swallow

When children have problems in their esophagus or moving food through their gastrointestinal tract, receiving an accurate diagnosis can be a challenge. MercyOne recently acquired the EndoFLIP, a state-of-the-art minimally invasive diagnostic tool.

This imaging technology allows them to look at the esophagus without requiring X-rays or radiation. MercyOne Children’s Hospital is the only pediatric hospital in the state of Iowa that uses EndoFLIP technology.

Symptoms

Gastroesophageal (GE) reflux in children can present in many ways. Some symptoms to look out for include:

• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Feeding refusal
• Difficulty swallowing
• Drooling
• Chronic coughing especially when lying down
• Effortless regurgitation
• Unexplained irritability (especially in infants)

Why use EndoFLIP?

Compared to traditional diagnostic tests like an upper endoscopy (EGD), EndoFLIP allows simultaneous testing of the pressure and dimensions of the esophagus using a medical balloon mounted on a thin catheter. This can provide some information about swallowing.

The technology uses an imaging technique called impedance planimetry to estimate the cross-section of the esophagus. EndoFLIP makes it much easier to diagnose and accurately characterize conditions such as esophageal stricture (tightening) and achalasia (food collects in the esophagus).

How it works

When patients have trouble swallowing, there are complications with food and liquids moving from your mouth to your stomach. The medical term for this is dysphagia. For children who have this condition, often an upper endoscopy alone is not enough for a diagnosis. EndoFLIP measures the pressure and dimensions in the esophagus — giving the physician additional data to better diagnose esophageal disorders. Plus, EndoFLIP can be done together with an upper endoscopy, so it doesn’t require an additional appointment or sedation.

If your child has difficulty swallowing, they can help!

Need to see a pediatric gastroenterologist? Call 515-643-5454 and talk to your MercyOne primary care provider about a referral.

About the author

Dr. Daniel DiMeo specializes in pediatric gastroenterology at MercyOne. He cares for all pediatric GI conditions, including feeding disorders, liver disease, GERD, abdominal pain, constipation, pancreatitis, celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis and has a special interest in inflammatory bowel disease (i.e., Crohn’s and colitis). Find Dr. DiMeo at MercyOne Children’s Hospital and MercyOne Des Moines Pediatrics Specialty Care.

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