5. Gastric Diseases Flashcards
What anti-reflux mechanisms prevent reflux of gastric acid into the lower oesophagus?
Lower oesophageal sphincter, oesophagus enters the stomach in the abdominal cavity, pressure in the abdominal cavity is higher than that of the thoracic cavity, right crus of the diaphragm acts as a sling around the lower oesophagus.
How is the normal amount of acid reflux dealt with?
Secondary peristaltic waves, gravity, and salivary bicarbonate.
When do clinical features of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occur?
When antireflux mechanisms fail and there is prolonged contact of gastric juices with lower oesophageal mucosa.
What is the key clinical feature of GORD?
Dyspepsia (heartburn).
When is dyspepsia from GORD made worse?
On lying down, bending over, and drinking hot drinks.
How is GORD investigated and diagnosed?
Usually made based on clinical features alone and there is no need to investigate unless alarming symptoms or hiatus hernia is suspected.
How is GORD managed?
Lifestyle adaptations - lose weight, stop smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, reduce consumption of food groups that aggravate it. Medication - simple antacids, raft antacids, PPIs, H2 antagonists.
How do PPIs act to manage GORD?
Reduce acid secretion by parietal cells.
How do H2 antagonists act to manage GORD?
Block H2 receptors which reduces acid secretion.
What is Barrett’s oesophagus?
Metaplastic change of lower oesophageal epithelium from normal stratified squamous epithelium to simple columnar epithelium (normally found in lower GI tract).
What is a peptic ulcer?
Break in the superficial epithelial cells penetrating down into the muscularis mucosa of the stomach or duodenum.
Where are duodenal ulcers most commonly found?
In the duodenal cap.
Where are gastric ulcers most commonly found?
In the lesser curve of the stomach.
What causes peptic ulcers in the developed world?
The use of NSAIDs primarily. These inhibit production of prostaglandins and so prevent production of protective unstirred layer.
How prevalent are duodenal ulcers in the adult population?
10% of the adult population have them.
How much more common are duodenal ulcers than gastric ulcers?
2-3 times as common.
How is prevalence of peptic ulcers changing in different age groups?
Younger people - prevalence is falling, especially in men.
Older people - prevalence is increasing, especially in women.
How has prevalence of NSAID-associated duodenal ulcers changed?
Increased in developed countries.
How has prevalence of H pylori-associated ulceration changed in developed countries?
Decreased.
What are the clinical features of peptic ulcers?
Recurrent, burning epigastric pain. Nausea, vomiting. Or asymptomatic.
What is a clinical feature of peptic ulcers specific to gastric ulcers?
Weight loss and anorexia.
When is pain worse with duodenal ulcers?
Worse at night and when hungry.