Gastro-Intestinal system Flashcards
What is dyspepsia?
A collection of symptoms:
1. upper abdominal discomfort and pain,
2. heartburn
3. acid reflux (with or without bloating),
4. nausea and vomiting related to eating
Causes of dyspepsia
- non-ulcer dyspepsia (diagnosis made by endoscopy),
- GORD,
-
peptic ulcer disease (gastric or
duodenal) - hiatus hernia (when part of stomach squeezes into chest through opening in diaphragm)
Dyspepsia Alarm Symtoms
- gastro-intestinal bleeding (may present as ‘coffee grounds’ in vomit or malaena)
- dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) - urgent referral to GP
- progressive unintentional weight loss
- persistent vomiting
- GP examination: iron deficiency anaemia; an epigastric mass; swallowing difficulties,
anaemia or suspicious barium meal
NOTE: Symptom severity is a poor indicator of an underlying disease. In the presence of such symptoms investigations would be performed to exclude oesophageal and gastric carcinoma. Anyone describing the danger
symptoms listed should make an urgent appointment with their GP
How do you differentiate between cardiac pain and dyspepsia?
- Pain travelling down the arm which is not relieved by antacids
- Accompanying symptoms: pale/cold/clammy/breathing difficulties
If there is any doubt about whether it is cardiac pain, refer urgently,emergency 999 if required. The principal distinguishing feature is periodicity, ie relating to eating, exercise etc. Patients reporting first episode of dyspepsia at the age of 40 or over should be referred because of the possibility of gastric cancer.
What medicines might cause dyspepsia as a side-effect?
- Bisphosphonates
- Iron
- NSAIDs
- Corticosteroids
What other conditions may present like dyspesia?
- Irritable bowel syndrome - accompanied by bloating, and abnormal bowel habits reported.
- Motility disorders - require referral to the GP.
- Biliary colic - present as epigastric pain precipitated by eating.
4 meds
What is the OTC treatment for Dyspepsia and how do they work?
- Antacids - neutralize acid
- Alganiates - form a raft on top of stomach contents
- H2 antagonists (Ranitidine) - Prevent acid secretion by blocking the H2 receptor.
- PPI (proton-pump-inhibitor:Omeprazole) - inhibits acids secretion by blocking proton pump.
.
Information to be given with antacids and alginates
- Take after meals and at bedtime (they remain in the stomach for longer at these times).
- Antacids not to be taken at the same time as other drugs as they may impair absorption.
Side effects of antacids?
- Aluminium containing - constipation
- Magnesium containing - diarehoea
- Combination products can balance out effects
Dose of Ranitidine for OTC dyspepsia?
Ranitidine contains low levels of NDMA which can cause cancer. It was withdrawn from the market in 2019
Maximum single dose for OTC use is 75mg
Not licensed for OTC sale to:
* children aged under 16 years or to
* patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding
3 points
What practical advise would you give for someone with dyspepsia?
The following will reduce symptoms:
* Weight loss
* Smoking cessation
* Avoid trigger foods: chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, rich, spicy or fatty foods
How does Orlistat work and who can it be sold to?
Inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipases and thus limits dietary fat absorption
Can be sold to adults over 18 with a BMI of > 28 Kg/m2
4 (FOSS)
What are the side effects of Orlistat?
- flatulence
- oily stools (with or without spotting),
- sudden bowel movements
- steatorrhoea.
What advise should be given to people Orlistat?
- Maintain a low fat low calorie diet
- Combine with exercise to see best results
What are the OTC restrictions for the following:
1. All products for dyspepsia
2. Gaviscon
3. Gaviscon infant
4. Esomeprazole and Pantoprazole
5. Ranitidine
-
All products
* Pregnancy, breastfeeding,
* jaundice or liver disease
-
All products
-
Gaviscon®
* Children under 12 years,
* renal failure or kidney disease
* hypercalcaemia
-
Gaviscon®
- **Gaviscon® Infant **
* Children under 12 months,
* babies born before 37 weeks,
* children over 2 years and renal impairment
- **Gaviscon® Infant **
-
Esomeprazole and pantoprazole
* children under 18 years
* adults over 55 years with new or recently changed symptoms
-
Esomeprazole and pantoprazole
-
Ranitidine (withdrawn 2019)
children under 12 years,
peptic ulceration
elderly taking NSAIDS
-
Ranitidine (withdrawn 2019)
Ranitidine contains low levels of NDMA which can cause cancer. It has therefore been withdrawn from the market