Care of Patient with Esophageal Problems Flashcards
GERD is the most common upper GI disorder in the US
Occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults but can affect people of any age
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs as a result of backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus - causes pain and burning sensation
Most common cause of GERD is excessive relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
Risk Factors:
Pathophysiology/can result in
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD arises from persistent GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs as a result of backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus - causes pain and burning sensation - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Allows reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus and exposure of the esophageal mucosa to acidic gastric contents
Most common cause of GERD is excessive relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Overweight or obese patients are at highest risk
Hiatal hernias
Helicobacter pylori may contribute to reflux by causing gastritis and poor gastric emptying
Gastric distension
Risk Factors: - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Hyperemia (increased blood flow) and erosion (ulceration) occur in the esophagus secondary to the chronic inflammation
Minor capillary bleeding may occur
Fibrosis and scarring can produce esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophageal opening)
Pathophysiology/can result in - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and cola
Chocolate
Citrus fruits
Tomatoes and tomato products
Smoking and use of other tobacco products
Calcium channel blockers
Nitrates
Peppermint, spearmint
Alcohol
Anticholinergic drugs
High levels of estrogen and progesterone
Nasogastric tube placement
Factors that contribute to decreases les (lower esophageal sphincter) pressure
Dyspepsia (indigestion)
Regurgitation (may lead to aspiration or bronchitis)
Coughing, hoarseness, or wheezing at night
Water brash (hypersalivation)
Dysphagia
Odynophagia (painful swallowing)
Epigastric pain
Generalized abdominal pain
Belching
Flatulence
Nausea
Pyrosis (heartburn)
Globus (feeling of something in back of throat)
Pharyngitis
Dental caries (severe cases)
GERD key features
Definitive diagnostic test does not exist
Barium swallow:
Upper endoscopy/EGD:
pH monitoring examination:
GERD diagnostic assessment
Can not confirm GERD, but can be helpful when used in combination with other diagnostic procedures
Look for abnormalities
Barium swallow: - GERD diagnostic assessment
Look for abnormalities; biopsy can be taken; requires moderate sedation
Upper endoscopy/EGD: - GERD diagnostic assessment
Most accurate method of diagnosing GERD
pH monitoring examination:- GERD diagnostic assessment
Relieve symptoms
Treat esophagitis
Prevent complications such as strictures or Barrett’s esophagus
GERD purpose of treatment
Ulceration of the lower esophagus
Caused by exposure to acid and pepsin
Change in mucosa secondary to tissue injury
Considered premalignant and indicates an increased risk for cancer
Prevent complications such as strictures or Barrett’s esophagus: Barrett’s esophagus - GERD purpose of treatment
For most patients, GERD can be controlled by nutrition therapy, lifestyle changes, and drug therapy
Nutrition therapy:
Lifestyle changes
Drug therapy
Endoscopic: - less invasive than surgical
Surgery:
GERD interventions
Limit or eliminate foods that decrease LES pressure and that irritate inflamed tissue
Peppermint
Chocolate
Alcohol
Fatty foods (especially fried)
Caffeine
Carbonated beverages
Restrict spicy and acidic foods
Nutrition therapy: - GERD interventions
Eat 4-6 small meals a day
Limit or eliminate alcohol and tobacco
Do not snack in the evening, and do not eat 2-3 hours before going to bed
Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
Remain upright for 1-2 hours after meals
Elevate the HOB by 6 to 12 inches or elevate your head
If you are overweight, lose weight
Do not wear constrictive clothing
Avoid heavy lifting, straining, and working in a bent-over position
Antacids followed with a glass of water
Decrease stress
Lifestyle changes - GERD interventions
Primary purposes:
Prokinetic drugs (metoclopramide-Reglan)
Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole - Prilosec, pantoprazole – Protonix)
Drug therapy - GERD interventions