Dyspepsia and Peptic Ulcer Disease Flashcards
What is dyspepsia?
General term for indigestion. Caused when stomach acid penetrates mucous layer of stomach or oesophagus, leading to irritation and potentially corrosion of lining.
What are some symptoms of dyspepsia?
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
- heartburn
- bloating
- nausea and/or vomiting
What are some causes of dyspepsia?
- Lifestyle
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- peptic ulcer disease
- helicobacter pylori infection
- side effects from drugs
- gastro-oesophageal malignancy
What is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)?
Occurs when there is reflux in gastric contents back into oesophagus, causing predominant symptoms of heart burn and acid regurgitation
What are some risk factors for developing GORD?
- stress and anxiety
- smoking and alcohol
- foods like coffee and chocolate
- obesity
- pregnancy
- drugs that decrease lower oesophageal sphincter tone
What is peptic ulcer disease?
Includes gastric or duodenal ulceration (breach in the epithelium of the gastric or duodenal mucosa)
What are the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease?
Main symptom is abdominal pain but others include:
- nausea
- indigestion
- heartburn
What are the high risk NSAIDs?
piroxicam and ketoprofen
What are the immediate risk NSAIDs?
Diclofenac, naproxen and ibuprofen (dose over 1.2g/day)
What are the low risk NSAIDs?
ibuprofen (dose 1.2g/day or under)
What are ant-acid compounds?
Work by neutralising excess asid in stomach helping to relieve symptoms being caused by acid.
What are ant-acid compounds used for?
Used for mild dyspepsia and GORD, usually on a PRN basis.
What are the main points about aluminium and magnesium containing ant-acids?
Relatively insoluble and long acting. Magnesium containing ant-acids tend to cause diarrhoea whilst aluminium antacids tend to cause constipation. Both may reduce colonic side-effects.
What are the main points about antacids containing sodium salts?
Not taken on their own for dyspepsia. Highly soluble, make them quick but short acting. Should be used with caution in patients with:
- kidney disease
- high blood pressure or heart failure
- liver disease
- low salt diets
What are the main points about antacids containing potassium salts?
Hight soluble.