Dysphagia Flashcards
What is dysphagia?
A sense of blocking or obstruction in the oesophagus
What are the two causes of dysphagia?
Mechanical obstruction
Motility disorder
What are some symptoms of acid reflux?
Burning chest/epigastric pain
Bitter taste in mouth
Laryngitis/hoarse voice
Morning nausea
Noctural cough
How far is the lower oesophageal sphincter from the mouth?
40cm
What is the normal LES pressure?
25mmHg
How do the symptoms and endoscopic findings match?
Poorly
What are the two mechanisms of dysphagia in hiatus hernia?
Oesophagitis > Ulceration > Stricture
Oesophageal angina
How do you differentiate oesophageal angina from cardiac angina?
They’re very similar in presentation but oesophageal is often worst at rest and after eating or drinking
What are some factors that affect LES pressure?
Avoid fatty food
Avoid cigarette/caffeine
Avoid ventolin
Avoid anticholinergics
Lying after eating and eat early at night
Weight
What is achalasia?
Increase LES pressure (60-70mmHg) causing blockage
When do you administer PPI’s?
15-30minutes before eating
What must you do when treating H. pylori?
Check for eradition
- C14-urea breath taste
What is ranitidine?
A H2 receptor antagonist
Where does lymph from the lower oespohagus drain to?
Scalene lymph node
What is the length of the small intestine?
4m
