Episode 88: GERD vs. EOE: the similarities & differences and how to treat both as an SLP with Kaitlin Brown, M.S., CCC-SLP
Kaitlin Brown joins Leigh Ann to cover GERD vs. EOE in the pediatric population in this episode. Kaitlin’s goal is to give clinicians an understanding of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) and EOE (eosinophilic esophagitis), the similarities and differences between the two, how EOE may go undiagnosed, markers to look for as a clinician, when to refer for further testing and diagnostics, and how to provide the best treatment for patients with GERD or EOE.
topics covered:
GERD and EOE similarities/differences
How to identify GERD vs EOE symptoms
When to refer, what tests need to be completed and how to interpret results.
How to treat GERD or EOE in pediatric swallowing patients
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Article: "GERD and Eosinophilic Esophagitis Learn How to Tell the Difference Between the Two"
"Does my child have GERD or EoE?" from Children's Health website
APFED: American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) in Children from Johns Hopkins
My name is Kaitlin Brown and I am a pediatric speech-language pathologist. I have been practicing for 6 years now. I started in the skilled nursing facilities and quickly gained confidence and knowledge in all-adult based swallowing patients. I was always interested in swallowing disorders throughout undergraduate and graduate school, but it wasn’t until my placement in a SNF as a graduate student that I gained a true appreciation for what all we do. I worked in the SNFs for 3 years, but began a part-time position at a pediatric therapy clinic in 2016. After leaving the SNF, I transitioned into a full-time position at the same private practice pediatric clinic in July 2017. From that point forward, I began receiving an influx of referrals for feeding and swallowing patients and, while I had some background knowledge and a strong foundation in adult swallowing disorders, I was essentially a beginner in the pediatric world. I began attending CEU courses, researching articles, trying different tools and bottles, and everything in between. As I gained more confidence, I found that I was receiving all feeding and swallowing patients, other therapists were coming to me with questions and I had officially found my niche. In the past 8 months, two of my colleagues, along with the help of an OT graduate level student, we have researched, planned, and launched an intensive feeding program at our outpatient clinic. I am currently finishing my SLPD degree at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions and am set to graduate in December of 2020. I am hoping to teach at a university level, teach CEUs, and continue along my journey in educating fellow SLPs about pediatric swallowing disorders and treatment options. My husband and I live in North Georgia and are expecting a baby boy in December 2020! We have two pups and enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors!
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