Gastroenterology; Upper GI; Dyspepsia & GORD Flashcards
What is the most common cause of dysepsia? [1]
oesophageal cancer
State 7 red flag symptoms when asking about dyspepsia [7]
- dysphagia
- weight loss (unintentional)
- persistent vomiting
- epigastric mass
- GI bleeding
- iron deficiency
- new/ persistent unexplained symptoms > 55y
Define dyspepsia [3]
Dyspepsia is a group of symptoms that suggest upper GI disease, according to NICE. Descriptions include:
· Pain or discomfort in the epigastrium (ulcer-like)
· Heartburn/regurgitation of eaten food (GORD-like)
· Bloating, nausea, vomiting and excess wind (dysmotility-like)
A ptx presents with upper GI discomfort but after endoscopy there is no evidence of an ulcer. What is this called? [1]
Non-ulcer dyspepsia
State the 4 most common causes of dyspepsia [4]
- No lesions / non-ulcer dyspepsia (75%)
- Peptic ulcer disease (10-15%)
- Oesphagitis (15%)
- Cancer (2%)
State 6 reasons non-ulcer dyspepsia may occur [6]
· Disturbance in GI motility
· Disturbance in visceral sensation, i.e. hypersensitivity
· Decreased sense of accommodation by the stomach: stomach is sensitive so feels abnormally distended/quickly full
· Pronounced intenstino-gastric reflexes, may mimic IBS symptoms
· Gastric aid sensitivity
· Psychosocial factors
Name 4 factors that increase the likelyhood of GORD [4]
- Obesity (BMI > 30; increases intra-abdominal pressure)
- Smoking, alchohol and coffee
- Drugs (relax LOS): tricyclics, anticholinergics, nitrates, calcium channel blockers
- Fatty foods
- Pregnancy
NB: no association with H. pylori.
}
Describe the pathophysiology of GORD [3]
- High intra-abdominal pressure combined with LOS relaxation and / or abnormalities causes gastric acid, bile, pepsin and pancreatin enzymes are able to reflux back into the oesophagus, causing mucosal injuries
- Often combined with decreased oesophageal motility, causing decreased oesophageal clearance
- The gastric acid levels are normal, just in the wrong place
Describe a cause of LOS dysfunction [1]
Hiatus hernia: herniation of the stomach up through the diaphragm. Causes the opening from the oesophagus to the stomach to be wider, and more stomach content can reflux into the oesophagus
State 5 causes of GORD
GORD:
- Hiatus hernia
- LOS hypotension
- obesity
- pregnancy
- smoking & alcohol
- drugs (tricyclic; anticholinergics; nitrates)
State five drug classes that can cause GORD [5]
- tricyclic
- anticholinergics
- nitrates
- CCBs
- NSAIDs
Describe symptoms of GORD [5]
Heartburn
Retrosternal discomfort after meals
Belching
Halitosis
Acid brash
Increased salivation (mouth fills with saliva)
State 3 extra-oesophageal symptoms of GORD [3]
Nocturnal asthma
Chronic cough
Laryngitis
Sinusitis
Describe the 4 different types of hiatus hernia [4]
Type 1: Sliding
Type 2: Rolling
Type 3: Combination of sliding and rolling
Type 4: Large opening with additional abdominal organs entering the thorax
What type of hernia is this? [1]
Type 3: sliding and rolling
What type of hernia is depicted? [1]
Type 4: Large opening with additional abdominal organs entering the thorax
What type of hernia is depicted? [1]
Type 1: displacement of GOJ above diaphragm
What type of hernia is depicted? [1]
Type 2: rolling - dislocation of fundus
GORD can be clinically diagnosed based on which of following isolated symptoms? [5]
State 3 atypical symptoms [3]
- Heartburn
- Belching
- Acid regurgitaton
- Water brash (xs salivation)
- Odynophagia (painful swallowing)
- Nocturnal asthma
Atypical:
- Chest pain
- Epigastric pain
- Chroic aspiration