Childhood gastroesophageal reflux disease: A comprehensive review of disease, diagnosis, and therapeutic management

Table 2 Diagnostic tools for pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease

Diagnostic tool	Use	Advantages	Ref.
Clinical history and exam	Identifies symptoms and risk factors	Accessible, non-invasive	Gonzalez Ayerbe et al[5], Friedman et al[16]
PH monitoring	Detects acid reflux (pH < 4); assesses reflux index	Gold standard for acid reflux	Leung and Hon[17], Mousa et al[18]
Multichannel intraluminal impedance	Measures acid and non-acid reflux events	Evaluates atypical symptoms, non-acid reflux	Mousa et al[18]
Upper endoscopy	Detects complications (e.g., esophagitis, strictures)	Direct visualization, biopsy possible	Arasu et al[19], Mousa and Hassan[20], Rosen et al[21]
Barium swallow	Rules out structural abnormalities (e.g., atresia, malrotation)	Useful for anatomical evaluation	Winter[22], Michail[23]
Esophageal manometry	Rules out motility disorders	Identifies achalasia or rumination syndrome	Mousa and Hassan[20], Michail[23]