Özet:

Introduction. Gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the gastric contents into the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract, and they often enter into the respiratory system resulting in chronic respiratory symptoms and illnesses. Aspiration pneumonia in particular is caused by gastroesophageal reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux is diagnosed using a multichannel intraluminal impedance with pH-metry while pneumonia is diagnosed radiologically. By analysing the findings the patient is diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. Aim. To investigate the presence of aspiration pneumonia caused by gastroesophageal reflux by comparing the findings of a multichannel intraluminal impedance with pneumonia radiological findings. Methods. The study was conducted at the Department of Pulmonology and Allergology for Preschool and Schoolchildren at the Children's Hospital Srebrnjak in the early 2017 by a nurse working at the department. The sample consists of 100 children admitted to hospital for chronic respiratory symptoms who underwent a multichannel intraluminal impedance with pH-metry in order to prove the existence of gastroesophageal reflux and who had a chest X-ray. Results. The pathologic gastroesophageal reflux was observed in 81 children (81%), a normal chest X-ray in 81 children (81%), and 19 children (19%) had pathological findings of chest X-ray, out of which 8 children had pneumonia (42.1% ). Discussion. In a study of 100 children with chronic respiratory symptoms without risk factors that would favor the aspiration of gastric contents, 7 children with aspiration pneumonia caused by gastroesophageal reflux were identified. Conclusion. The obtained results show a significant presence of aspiration pneumonia in children with chronic respiratory symptoms which confirms the need for active testing for gastroesophageal reflux in patients with respiratory symptoms, with the purpose of conducting adequate reflux treatment and treatment of pneumonia.

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