GI Flashcards
Odynophagia =
Dysphagia =
painful swallowing
difficulty swallowing
Causes of esophagitis
- infections related to immunocomp’d patient: Candida, Herpes, CMV
- GERD
How does endoscopy with biopsy for esophagitis patient differentiate the infectious causes?
Herpes – Multiple shallow ulcers throughout the esophagus
CMV – Large solitary deep ulcers
Candida – Raised white plaques which can be removed
How is esophagitis caused by Candida treated?
Fluconazole x 3 weeks
Diagnostic test of choice for most esophageal and gastric issues
Barium swallow
Why is there concern for doing an endoscopy with diverticula?
possible perforation
What is diverticula within the esophagus called?
Zenker’s Diverticula
Zenker’s Diverticula treatment
Hydration after meals
Thorough chewing
Surgical repair of diverticula
Decreased peristalsis of the esophagus along with increased muscle tone of the lower esophagus
Achalasia
Barium swallow of achalasia
bird’s beak (clear tapering at LES)
I came in to see my physician assistant because of…
- Regurgitating undigested food hours after a meal
- Bad breath
- Neck pain
- Odynophagia
- Dysphagia
Zenker’s Diverticula
I came in to see my physician assistant because of…
- Dysphagia with both fluids and solids and will continue to get progressively worse
- Regurgitation of undigested foods
- Non-cardiac chest pain
Achalasia
Achalasia treatment
CCBs – Nifedipine
Try to dilate LES: Nitrates, Botox injections, Pneumatic dilation
Surgical myotomy
Patient c/o forced retching vomiting and is now vomiting blood. Also has epigastric pain. Likely dx?
Mallory-Weiss tears (longitudinal lacerations of esophagus)
Mallory-Weiss tear treatment
Usually self limiting
Transfusion if high loss of blood
Endoscopy with epinephrine injection or thermal coagulation
Treatment of esophageal strictures
Treat for GERD since most likely cause
PPIs - omeprazole
H2 Blockers - Zantac
Surgical correction
DDX of hematemesis (vomiting blood)
Mallory-Weiss tears, esophageal varices, PUD, cirrhosis…
I came in to see my physician assistant because of…
- Substernal chest pain
- Pain typically postprandial
- Dysphagia
- Chronic dry cough and laryngitis
GERD
I came in to see my physician assistant because of…
Hematemesis (vomiting blood)
Black, tarry or bloody stool
Signs and symptoms of GI bleed (lightheaded etc)
Esophageal varices
Pathophysiology of esophageal varices
dilated veins of esophagus secondary to alcoholism, cirrhosis, and/or portal HTN
What is diagnostic and therapeutic for esophageal varices?
Endoscopy
- Variceal ligation or banding
- Sclerotherapy
- Balloon tamponade
Behavior modifications to relieve GERD?
Smaller portion sizes Not laying down after meals Weight reduction Avoid acidic foods Avoid things that relax the lower esophageal sphincter - fatty foods, mint, chocolate, alcohol, smoking
Medical treatment for GERD
OTC antacids - rolaids, TUMS, Pepto-Bismol, Milk of Magnesia
H2 blockers - rantidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid)
PPIs - omeprazole
Possible complications of GERD
Increased risk for esophageal strictures
Barrett’s esophagus (pre-malignancy)
Peptic ulcers