Gastroesophageal Reflux Flashcards
How is Gastroesophageal reflux described?
Backward flow of gastric contents into esophagus resulting in heartburn
What is gastroesophageal reflux a sign of
Poor digestion
What percentage of adults experience gastroesophageal reflux?
15-20%
What are the two ways a client with gastroesophageal reflux will present ?
Asymptomatic or inflammatory esophagitis
What typically helps maintain the pressure differences of the stomach and esophagus?
the location of the gastroesophageal junction below the diaphragm
What are the three types of etiology that can result in a paitent having gastroesophageal reflux?
- Transient reaction of lower esophageal sphincter
- incompetent lower esophageal sphincter
- Increased pressure within the stomach
What are the contributing factors of gastroesophageal reflux?
- Increased gastric volume
- Certain body positions
- Pressure from obesity or tight clothing
What are the risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux?
-Obesity
-Older age
-Excessive alcohol consumption
-Smoking
-Hiatal hernia
-Diabetes
-Pregnancy
Diet
What types of foods can contribute to gastroesophageal reflux?
- Fatty/fried foods
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Citrus
- Peppermint
- Spicy foods
What are the clinical manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux in infants?
Spit up or forceful vomiting
What are the clinical manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux in adults?
- Heartburn after eating, bending over, reclining
- Cough
- Flatulence
- Excessive belching
- Hoarseness
- Pain in swallowing
- Regurgitation of sour material into mouth
- Atypical chest pain
What are the clinical manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux in children?
- Poor weight gain
- Recurrent vomiting
- Irritability
- Poor feeding
- Arching of the back
- Sore throat
- Asthma
- Respiratory involvement
What are the complications with gastroesophageal reflux?
- Erosive esophagitis
- Esophageal strictures
- Barrett’s esophagitis
Esophageal strictures may lead to what?
Dysphagia
What are the 4 things to avoid when trying to prevent gastroesophageal reflux?
Avoid:
- Foods that stimulate acid production
- Eating close to bedtime
- Tight-fitting clothing
- Smoking and alcohol
In order to prevent gastroesophageal reflux what should you do?
- Eat smaller more frequent meals
- Elevate head of bed to reduce pressure on lower esophageal sphincter
- Maintain near or ideal body weight
What are the diagnostic tests for gastroesophageal reflux?
- Barium swallow
- Upper endoscopy
- Bernstein test
- 24-hour ambulatory pH monitoring
- Esophageal manometry
- EGD
What are the types of pharmacologic therapies for gastroesophageal reflux?
- Antacids
- H2 receptor blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Promotility agents
What is the drug of choice for severe GERD?
Omeprazole
What class does sodium bicarbonate belong to?
Antacid
What is sodium bicarbonate used for?
Mild to moderate symptoms of GERD
What class does famotidine belong to?
H2 receptor blockers
What class does Omeprazole belong to?
Proton pump inhibitor
What class does metoclopramide belong to?
Promotility agents
What is the mechanism of action for sodium bicarbonate?
Neutralizes stomach acid by raising pH of stomach contents
What is the primary use for sodium bicarbonate?
Relief of upset stomach associated with hyperacidity