Dyspepsia & GERD Flashcards
What is dyspepsia?
epigastric pain or discomfort originating from upper GIT
-an umbrella term to describe many possible sx and causes
What is functional dyspepsia?
dyspepsia where no abnormalities are found
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease?
reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus
-described as heartburn
What is peptic ulcer disease?
an ulcer formed in the gastric or duodenal mucosa
-may have symptoms similar to dyspepsia/GERD
What are the potential mechanisms which cause functional dyspepsia?
gastric motility and compliance
visceral hypersensitivity
H.pylori infection
altered gut microbiome
duodenal inflammation
psychosocial dysfunction
What are the many possible causes of dyspepsia?
normal finding (functional dyspepsia)-70%
GERD-15%
gastric ulcer-2%
gastric erosions-6%
duodenal ulcer-2.9%
gastro-esophageal malignancy-0.2%
What are the risk factors for dyspepsia?
dietary indiscretion
medications
H.pylori infection
anxiety
IBS
smoking or alcohol use
True or false: there is a strong association between sex, age, and socioeconomic status with the risk for dyspepsia
false
What are some examples of drug-induced dyspepsia?
bisphosphonates
iron
NSAIDs
potassium
What are the many different symptoms that qualify as dyspepsia?
epigastric pain or discomfort
fullness or early satiety
nausea
upper abdominal bloating
excessive burping or belching
heartburn and regurgitation
>1 month duration of symptoms
What are the alarm symptoms of dyspepsia?
VBAD:
-vomiting
-bleeding/anemia
-abdominal mass or unexplained weight loss
-dysphagia or odynophagia
chest pain
choking
Describe the systemic approach to take in patients with dyspepsia.
- evaluate other possible causes
-cancer, malabsorption, diabetes, IBD, medications, etc - upper GI location?
- new onset symptoms (other than reflux/heartburn) > 50 (++>60) or red flag symptoms?
- NSAID use?
- reflux or regurgitation as main symptom?
- H.pylori present?
What is the pathophysiology of GERD?
reflux of stomach acid contents into esophagus, possibly leading to reflux (non-erosive) esophagitis or erosive esophagitis
What are the many potential causes of GERD?
defective lower esophageal sphincter
increased intra-abdominal pressure
hiatal hernia
impaired esophageal peristalsis
delayed gastric emptying
excessive gastric acid production
What are the risk factors for GERD?
obesity
pregnancy
family history
smoking
increased age (>65)
hiatal hernia
stress and anxiety
medications
diet
What are some drug-induced causes of GERD?
anticholinergics
benzodiazepines
opioids
What are some dietary contributors to GERD?
over-eating
fatty foods
chocolate
alcohol
carbonated drinks
acidic juices
everyone has their own different triggers
What are the primary symptoms of GERD?
heartburn and regurgitation
What are some other findings and atypical extra-esophageal symptoms of GERD?
other findings:
-belching, hypersalivation, non-cardiac chest pain
atypical extra-esophageal symptoms:
-chronic cough
-throat clearing
-SOB or wheezing
-laryngitis
-oropharyngeal symptoms
-dental erosions
Differentiate mild and moderate/severe GERD.
intensity:
-mild: low
-mod/severe: high
interference with ADLs:
-mild: no
-mod/severe: yes
frequency:
-mild: <3/wk
-mod/severe: >3/wk
duration:
-mild: <6 months
-mod/severe: >6 months
nocturnal symptoms:
-mild: no
-mod/severe: yes
complications:
-mild: no
-mod/severe: yes
What are the potential complications of GERD?
esophagitis
esophageal stricture
esophageal erosions
Barretts esophagus
esophageal cancer
What are the red flags of GERD?
VBAD
choking
chest pain
How is GERD diagnosed?
based on symptoms after ruling out other causes
-those with typical sx do not require invasive testing
-trial course course of pharmacologic therapy helpful
Who are the candidates for upper endoscopy?
new onset sx (other than reflux/heartburn) >50 or red flag sx
any alarm features
refractory GERD
at risk for Barretts esophagus
What are some “other” diagnostic tests for GERD?
barium swallow
esophageal manometry
ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring
What are the goals of treatment for GERD?
relieve symptoms
promote healing of injured mucosa
prevent and treat complications
prevent recurrence
avoid issues with long-term use of pharmacotherapy
Which patients should consider non-pharmacologic treatment for GERD?
should be considered in all patients
What are some lifestyle changes that can demonstrate benefit for GERD?
evidence based:
-lose and maintain IBW
-stop smoking
-elevate head of bed
others that may help but not evidence based:
-smaller meals
-trigger food avoidance
-remain upright 2-3h after eating
-avoid eating 3h before bed
-avoid tight clothing
Provide an overview of the pharmacologic treatment for GERD.
as needed or on-demand treatment:
-alginates
-antacids
-H2RAs
-PPIs (slow acting, not great prn)
scheduled treatment:
-H2RAs
-PPIs
adjuncts:
-domperidone
-metoclopramide
anti-reflux surgery
What is an example of an alginate?
sodium alginate (included in Gaviscon)
What are the indications for alginates?
mild, intermittent, post-prandial GERD
What are the contraindications to alginates?
none
What is the MOA of alginates?
forms a viscous “raft” that floats within the stomach
How should alginates be administered?
~1h after eating
What is the onset and duration of alginates?
rapid onset and short duration <1h
What are the safety concerns of alginates?
bloating
flatulence
belching
What is the efficacy of alginates for GERD?
better than placebo, worse than other agents
What are examples of antacids?
aluminum hydroxide
magnesium hydroxide
magnesium trisilicate
calcium carbonate
sodium bicarbonate
What are the indications for antacids?
mild, infrequent, post-prandial GERD
What are the contraindications to antacids?
severe renal impairment
-unless dialysis
What is the MOA of antacids?
neutralizes stomach acid
inhibits pepsin generation
binds to bile acids
What is the onset and duration of antacids?
rapid acting
short duration of action
How should antacids be administered?
chew 2-4 tablets up to QID (max 8-16 tablets)
30-60 min after a meal and/or bedtime
What are the common side effects of antacids?
aluminum: constipating
magnesium: laxative effect
calcium: well tolerated
What are the serious side effects of antacids?
aluminum: bone demineralization, neurotoxicity, hypophosphatemia
magnesium: hypermagnesemia
calcium: hypercalcemia, alkalosis
What are the drug interactions of antacids?
chelation with many drugs: space antacid 1h before or 2h after
-ex: tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, iron, bisphosphonates, levothyroxine
impairs absorption of pH sensitive drugs
-dabigatran, HIV meds