The State of the Sciene /Project - Research Paper Example

Download file to see previous pages... In this state of the science paper, different types of literatures will be reviewed, among them books, magazines, electronic and print articles from public and institutional libraries. The paper will focus on the various issues on the topic on which stakeholders agree and disagree, mentioning any gaps therein. Specifically, the causal link between GERD and chronic cough in pediatric patients will be explored. In this context, the paper will introduce the topic then discuss the history of the GERD-Chronic cough links, review the available literatures on epidemiology, statistics, and the clinical features of the conditions. Finally, the paper will explore the different perceptions adopted by respiratory and gastroenterology studies and publications. Outline of Content Areas I. Definition of chronic cough and GERD II. Causes, signs, and symptoms of GERD and chronic cough III. Epidemiology of GERD and chronic cough IV. The causal link between GERD and chronic cough V. ...
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic cough are examples of the many diseases that pediatricians encounter in their professional interaction with infants and children. GERD is a condition characterized by food (solid or liquid) already in the stomach being thrown back into the esophagus, causing irritation and the commonest and most obvious symptom of GERD, heartburn (Orlando, 2007). Once food is eaten and drawn into the stomach, the muscular fibers referred to as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevent the food from moving back into the esophagus. If the LES fails to close well, the swallowed food leaks back into the esophagus, a process known as reflux or gastroesophageal reflux, which in more serious situations could lead to esophageal damage. The risk factors associated with GERD include alcohol, obesity, pregnancy, scleroderma, smoking, and medications such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers (high blood pressure or heart disease), and sedatives (Schiffman, 2011). Symptoms of GERD include nausea, wheezing, cough, regurgitation, hoarseness, feelings of food being stuck behind the breastbone, and heartburn. The condition may be increased by eating, stooping, bending, and lying down while it is relieved by antacids. Complications that result from GERD include asthma, Barrett's esophagus, and chronic cough or hoarseness. A chronic cough on the other hand is a persistent cough. Chronic cough, though an indication of underlying diseases, is a major cause of health facility visits among infants and children. Among the causes of cough are sinus infections, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and esophageal reflux of stomach contents. It is the causal relationship between GERD and chronic cough in pediatric ...Download file to see next pagesRead More