GERD Flashcards
Gastroesophageal reflux
Retrograde movement of gastric contents from the stomach in to the esophagus
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
A condition which develops when reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications
Reflux esophagitis
Inflammation of the esophagus
Erosive esophagitis
Visible damage as seen on endoscopy
Epidemiology (4)
- Difficult to detect in infants and children
- Up to 35% of all children may have reflux within the first few months of life
- Reflux usually outgrown by 1 year of age
- Risk of reflux not subsiding increases with strong family history of GERD
Defense Mechanisms (5)
- Lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
- Esophageal mucus
- Esophageal clearance
- Acid neutralization, Via saliva
- Gastric emptying
Contributing Factors (6)
- Hiatal hernia
- Obesity
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (Increased acidity due to gastrin production)
- Hypercalcemia
- Scleroderma
- Medications (Prednisone, CCBs, NSAIDs)
GERD Factors (5)
- Gastric Acid
- Pepsin
- Bile salts
- Pancreatic enzymes
- NSAID use
GERD risk factors (4)
- Decreased/increased LES pressure
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Increased gastric acid secretion
- Impaired gastro-esophageal pressure gradient
Treatment - Diet
Infant (1)
Children (3)
• Infant
Formula composition
• Children
Avoid foods that irritate GERD symptoms
Eat small meals
Avoid eating immediately prior to sleeping
Avoid exacerbating Meds
Treatment - Positioning Therapy
Infants (1)
Children (2)
Infants
Supine versus prone
Children
Elevate head of bed
Avoid reclining after meals
Pharmacological Treatments of GERD (4)
- Antacids
• Calcium carbonate
• Magnesium Hydroxide - Histamine 2 Receptor Antagonists
- Proton Pump Inhibitors
- Prokinetic Agents
Antacids MOA (2)
- Neutralize stomach acid
2. Deactivate pepsin and acidity of reflux
Antacids Place in therapy (2)
- Mild GERD
2. Immediate relief
Antacids (2) Available Agents
- Calcium Carbonate (Tums®, Maalox®)
2. Aluminum Hydroxide/Magnesium Hydroxide (Mylanta®)