Gastroenterology Flashcards
What is dysphagia?
difficulty swallowing
What are some structural abnormalities which can cause dysphagia?
- Pharyngeal pouch (outpouching of pharyngeal mucosa)
- Oesophagitis
>. reflux oesophagitis (acid reflux from stomach)
> infective oesophagitis - benign strictures (scarring and narrowing of oesophagus making it difficult for food to pass down. Usually a complication of chronic reflux oesophagitis).
- malignant strictures (oesophageal carcinoma)
- extrinsic pressure
> goitre, AA, Lung Ca, Lymph
What are some motility disorders which may cause dysphagia?
Achalasia - degeneration of myenteric plexus causing the LOS (lower oesophageal sphincter) to be constantly tensed. - tapered oesophagus
Oesophageal spasm - uncoordinated contraction of oesophagus. corkscrew appearance
Bulbar palsy - damage to motor neurones (can’t move facial muscles).
Pseudobulbar palsy (e.g. stroke)
Systemic sclerosis - fibrosis of sclera and connective tissues
Chagas’ disease - parasitic infection. systemic infection which damages parasympathetic nerve plexus which can cause reduced peristalsis
What are the structural abnormalities that cause dysphagia? (5)
- Pharyngeal pouch
- Oesophagitis
> Reflux oesophagitis
> Infective oesophagitis - Benign strictures
- Malignant strictures
- Extrinsic strictures
What are the mobility disorders that cause dysphagia? (6)
a. Achalasia
b. oesophageal spasm
c. . bulbar palsy(e.g. MND)
d. pseudobulbar palsy (e.g. stroke)
e. systemic sclerosis
f. chagas’ disease
What is GORD?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Dysfunction of the lower oesophageal sphincter predisposing to the reflux of acid up into the oesophagus.
What are some risk factors of GORD?
associated with increased abdominal pressure
Pregnancy Obesity Alcohol Smoking Hiatus hernia Helicobacter pylori Anticholinergic medicine (causes relaxation of sphincter)
What are some symptoms of GORD? (5)
> Heartburn > Odynophagia > Waterbrash (excessive salivation) > Acid brash (acid/bile regurgitation) > Belching
How can we manage GORD?
Lifestyle measurements:
> lose weight, stop smoking, alcohol cessation, small meals, raise head of bed.
Medication:
> OTC anacids i.e. gaviscon
> PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) i.e. omeprazole
> H2 antagonists i.e. ranitidine = H2 antagonists as H2 is responsible for secretion of stomach acid from parietal cells.
What are some complications of GORD?
benign strictures, Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophagus carcinoma.
What is Barretts oesophagus?
Metaplasia of the distal oesophageal epithelium from squamous to columnar epithelium.
Upward migration of squamocolumnar junction.
There is a significantly increased risk of adenocarcinoma development - hence yearly biopsy is required.
What are the symptoms of peptic ulcer diesases?
Pain after of before meals
Heartburn
Postprandial discomfort and fullness, belching, early satiety, nausea.
What are some causes of peptic ulcer disease?
Infection with helicobacter pylori
DRUGS: NSAIDS (including low dose aspirin) (they reduce prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenase), steroids, bisphosphonates
Hormonal
Alcohol, smoking, stress and blood group O related.
How does helicobacter pylori affect the intestinal and mucosal physiology?
increased gastric acid secretion
gastric metaplasia
immune response
mucosal defence mechanisms
ultimately causes inflammation and cell death in the gastric mucosa
What is the ALARM symptoms of peptic ulcer disease?
Anaemia Loss weight Anorexia Recent onset with progressive symptoms Melaena Swallowing difficulty
How can we investigate peptic ulcer disease?
Endoscopy (OGD)
Helicobacter pylori detection via breath test, stool antigen, serology, biopsy
How can we treat peptic ulcer disease?
H. pylori eradication
Cessation of causative medication (NSAIDS, bisphosphonates, steroids).
H2 Receptor antagonists (stop prod of gastric acid).
Lifestyle adjustment (stop smoking, lose weight).
What is an ulcer?
loss of surface epithelium on an organ