Investigation of the frequency of application of physiotherapy in infants with gastroesophageal reflux

Abstract

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is defined as the reflux of gastric and/or intestinal contents into the esophagus. It is a common phenomenon, seen in 40-65% of infants and is due to transient relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter.Many infants have daily episodes of GER, of short duration after meals, during sleepeven while awake. Its early diagnosis helps towards early intervention and successful treatment of complications. Furthermore, it contributes to improving the infant’s and the family’s quality of life. Physiotherapy as an adjunctive therapeutic intervention seems to be able to contribute significantly to the improvement of GER in infants. The goal is to improve movement, body posture, cardiorespiratory function and coordination in order to limit the phenomenon. Aim:The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether infants with GER, in addition to dietary and other instructions and any pharmaceutical intervention, also undergo physical therapy treatment to improve their symptoms. Additional objectives were to record the infant’s and the family’s quality of life, and to explore parents’ expectations of a physical therapy program. Patients and methods:Thirty infants with GER participated in the study. The research was conducted in Thessaloniki, Greece, in a regular pediatric gastroenterology clinic. The questionnaire was given to the parents and completed under the supervision of the researcher in case of need for clarification. Results:None of the 30 infants studied was following a physical therapy program. In addition, GER was found to have a great impact on parents’ quality of life, since 80% answered that they were significantly affected, not knowing how to manage the condition. Regarding the need for physical therapy intervention and informing parents, 70% answered that they would like to have information and help from a physical therapist. A percentage of 80% of parents were in favor of a physical therapy program that could contribute to the reductioneven the elimination of their children’s medication. Conclusions:Gastroesophageal reflux affects a large percentage of infants. In severe cases, if not treated in time, it can affect the health of young infants and the families’ quality of life. Most parents seem to trust a physical therapy program to improve their children’s health for the fastest recovery from GER. This research can be a pilot for further studies, in the context of a more holistic intervention by doctors and physical therapists in infants with GER symptoms.

Conventional chest physiotherapy compared to other airway clearance techniques for cystic fibrosis

“…From these recent searches and the original searches, we included 21 original studies (45 publications) in the review; seven studies were new at the 2022 update (Bain 1988;Giles 1996;Gondor 1999;Hare 2002;Sontag 2010;Steen 1991;Tonnesen 1982). We excluded 69 original studies (112 publications); of these, we identified and excluded eight studies at the 2022 update (Corten 2020;Ghasempour 2019;Hristara-Papadopoulou 2005;Keller 2001;Klig 1989;Martinez Rodriguez 2017;van Hengstum 1988;Warwick 1991). There are no studies currently awaiting classification or any ongoing studies.…”