D.O.D #4 - Gastroesophogial Reflux Disease (GERD)

Question 1

exacerbate

Answer 1

to worsen

Question 2

diltiazem

Answer 2

treats angina and hypertension

Question 3

tender epigastrium

Answer 3

pain below ribs/upper abdomen

Question 4

palpation

Answer 4

exam by pressing on surface of the body to feel organs or tissues underneath

Question 5

refluxed

Answer 5

flowed backward through vessel

Question 6

endoscope

Answer 6

instrument for viewing internal structures; used to diagnose diseases in the body

Question 7

abnormal esophageal mucosa

Answer 7

found irritation/inflammation in the esophagus

Question 8

sphincter

Answer 8

any circular muscle

Question 9

what does GERD stand for?

Answer 9

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Question 10

Is GERD cardiac?

Answer 10

No, GERD can cause heartburn, but it has NOTHING to do with the heart

Question 11

why is GERD worse when laying down?

Answer 11

gravity does not keep acid down/it flows up esophagus

Question 12

LES

Answer 12

lower esophageal sphincter

Question 13

hiatal hernia

Answer 13

stomach is perforates through the diaphragm; bulges through esophagus because diaphragm is weakened

Question 14

what causes GERD?

Answer 14

when contents in your stomach make an acidy mixture; the LES is weak or relaxes at the wrong time -> allows stomach acid to go back up your esophagus

Question 15

symptoms of GERD

Answer 15

heartburn (inflammation), lump in throat, can’t swallow, emesis

Question 16

long term affects (w/out treatment)

Answer 16

causes a hiatus -> hiatal hernia, inflammation of esophagus, esophageal cancer, tooth damage (from constant acid in mouth), changes to vocal cords, chronic cough

Question 17

long term affects (w/ treatment)

Answer 17

changes in magnesium levels which causes change in gut biome (all micro organisms in digestive system), doctors may recommend avoiding acidic fruits and veggies

Question 18

heartburn 2x a week may mean

Answer 18

GER – Gastroesophageal Reflux (not a chronic disease)

Question 19

chronic disease

Answer 19

an ongoing condition

Question 20

what influences cause GERD?

Answer 20

inhaling second hand smoke, unhealthy diet, pregnancy, obesity, high stress level and taking certain meds (ex. asprin)

Question 21

endoscopy

Answer 21

insert small tube w/ vid camera into esophagus to see inflammation and irritation

Question 22

how do you diagnose GERD?

Answer 22

visit a Gastroenterologist -> can collect images of esophagus through endoscopy, take a biopsy to be further tested, and a Barium Swallow

Question 23

biopsy

Answer 23

small sample of tissue

Question 24

what is a Barium Swallow

Answer 24

to see what is happening in body; see where it goes/stops; lights up (you can see it cause it’s dense)

Question 25

how do you treat GERD?

Answer 25

change in diet, take antacids to minimize pain, meds for acid reflux and heart burn,

Question 26

what surgery treats GERD?

Answer 26

fundoplication: strengths valve muscles that allow food into stomach; wraps part of upper stomach around esophagus to recreate valve (only should be done if LES is severely damaged)

Question 27

what percent of americans get GERD?

Answer 27

20%