GERD Flashcards
What is a common manifestation of GERD?
Regurgitation- Hot, bitter, or sour liquid
What are some gastric symptoms of GERD?
Early Satiety
Post Meal Bloating
N/V (Delayed Gastric Emptying)
What are some Diagnostic Tests that can be performed for GERD?
Endoscopy- looks at esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
Biopsy and Cytologic Specimens- Diagnose stomach and esophageal (Barret’s Esophagus) carcinoma
Esophageal Manometric Studies- Motility study that measure pressure within esophagus
Radionuclide Tests- Measures transit time and percentage of emptying of esophagus (rate of esophageal clearance)
What are some lifestyle modifications for GERD?
Stop Smoking Elevate Head of Bed up Do not lie down 2-3 hours after eating Eat Dietary Fiber Drink Fluids Exercise Regularly Establish a Regular Time to Defecate Do Not Delay Defecation Avoid Laxatives and Enemas
What are some Nutritional Therapies for GERD?
Avoid acid or acid producing foods
Smaller, more frequent meals
Avoid caffeine, fatty foods, and Chocolate
What is one risk does PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS cause?
Increased Risk for C. Diff.
What age group usually gets GERD?
Around 20-29 year olds
What are some predisopsing factors of GERD?
Incompetent (abnormal relaxation) of lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
Hiatal Hernia
Decreased Esophageal Clearance
Decreased Gastric Emptying
What is Barrett’s Esophagus?
What causes it?
What does it increase the risk of?
Normal Tissue lining of the esophagus change to tissue that resembles the lining of the intestines
Can be Caused by GERD
Increases risk of Esophageal Cancer
What is a manifestation of GERD that should be a concern for evaluation for GERD?
Heartburn occurring more than once a week and becoming more severe or occurring at night and waking a person from sleep
What are two main complaints of GERD?
Heartburn
Tightness beneath the lower sternum and spreads upward
What drugs can you take to treat GERD and how do they treat it?
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Protonix)- Decrease HCl acid secretion
Histamine (H2) Blockers (Pepcid)- Decrease HCl acid secretion
Prokinetics (Reglan)- Block effect of dopamine ot increase gastric motility and emptying
Antiulcer (Carafate)- Protective layer
Antacids (Tums)- Neutralize HCl acid
What is a surgical intervention for GERD?
Nissen fundoplication- laproscopic surgery for GERD where they wrap the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus
What are some gerontological considerations for GERD?
GERD, along with hiatal hernias, increases with age
Weaker diagphragm
Increased Obesity
Riskier if surgical interventions
Harder to get lifestyle change compliance
Depressed gag reflex, which further increases risk of aspiration pneumonia
