Cyndi - Week 1 - Exam 1 Flashcards
what is achalasia?
lower esophageal sphincter can’t relax and aperistalsis of the lower espohagus
what are the causes/risk factors of achalasia? (4)
– Nerve degeneration of inhibitory neurons
– Esophageal dilation due to accumulation of
food and fluid
– Hypertrophy (bigger esophagus)
– Unknown cause
is achalasia common?
no, not common
what are the clinical manifestations of achalasia? (7)
- substernal chest pain (need to rule out MI w/ 12 lead EKG)
- dysphagia
- coughing (trying to move the food or get it out - could go into lungs → aspiration)
- regurgitation of food (esp. when lying down)
- weight loss
- weakness
- poor skin turgor
what are the 6 possible complications of achalasia?
- Megaesophagus
- GERD
- Chest pain
- Nocturnal regurgitation (laying down after eating, wake up and vomit)
- Aspiration (new crackles, get chest xray)
- Halitosis (bad breath)
what are the 3 diagnostic tests used for achalasia?
- upper GI barium xray
- espohageal manometry
- esphoagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
what is important pre-assessment for a patient who is to undergo a EGD?
- NPO for 8 hours
- signed consent
- sedation education (possible risks - perforation)
- NPO after procedure
what are 4 things to include in achalasia patient education?
- dietary adjustments (small meals, small sips b/t meals)
- meds (relax muscle → anticholinergics)
- elevate HOB after eating/at night
- procedural teaching
what side is the patient positioned during a EGD and why?
on the left side; considered the “recovery side”; least likely to vomit.
what 3 types of pharm treatments are used in achalasia?
- anticholinergics
- smooth muscle relaxants before meals
- botulism injection to lower esophageal sphincter (short term fix)
what 3 invasive treatments are used in achalasia?
- dilation of LES
- surgery (Heller myotomy)
- POEM (peroral endoscopic mytomy)
what is gastritis?
inflammation of mucosa d/t breakdown in protective barriers
what are the risk factors for gastritis?
- meds (aspirin, NSAIDs)
- alcohol use
- H. pylori
- radiation exposure
- physiological stress conditions (↑ acid)
what are the clinical manifestations of gastritis?
- heartburn
- epigastric pain
- nausea
- anorexia
what are the diagnostic tests of gastritis?
EGD, H. pylori test, biopsy, CBC (intrinsic factor), guaic stool
what is the treatment for gastritis?
- Eliminate cause, if known (H. pylori)
- NG tube for bowel rest
- PPIs
- H2 blockers
- antacids
- antibiotics for H. pylori infection
what are the possible complications for gastritis?
- ulcer
- hemorrhage
- ↑ risk of stomach cancer
what is GERD?
gastroesophageal reflux disease - reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus d./t LES incompetence; may include a gastroparesis component also.
what are the risk factors for GERD?
- foods (spicy, acidic, coffee, tea, too much food)
- medications
- obesity
- smoking
- hiatal hernia
- abd pressure
what are the s/sx of GERD?
- heartburn
- dyspepsia (indigestion)
- regurgitation
- pain (dyspepsia)
- may have respiratory symptoms (coughing, aspiration, wheezing)
what are the diagnostic tests used for GERD?
- endoscopy
- biopsy
- pH monitoring (tests how much acid is produced)
- manometry
- upper GI barium study
what are the possible complications from GERD?
- esophagitis
- barret’s esophagitis (cells change with inflammation)
- respiratory compromise
what are the treatment options for GERD?
- medications (PPI, H2 blockers, others)
- lifestyle changes (weight loss, diet)
- surgery
- magnet (lynx system)
what is a hiatal hernia?
herniation of stomach above diaphragm
- weakened diaphragm around esophagus
what are the risk factors of hiatal hernias?
age, gender, abd pressure, meds