GI Reflux

Question 1

During inhalation abdominal pressure increases due to contraction of the diaphragm. Why does this not result in reflux?

Answer 1

The oesophagus pierces the diaphragm just as it runs to enter the stomach. Thus, when the diaphragm contracts during inhalation, it works as a kind of external sphincter to close of the oesophagus and prevent reflux

Question 2

How is reflux into the oesophagus usually prevented?

Answer 2

The action of the lower oesophageal sphincter
The action of the contracted diaphragm as a external sphincter
The slight flap formed by the terminations of the oblique muscle fibres of the stomach wall at the cardial notch

Question 3

What type of epithelium exists in the stomach?

Answer 3

Simple columnar

Question 4

What type of epithelium exists in the oesophagus?

Answer 4

Non keratinising stratified sqaumous

Question 5

What are the results of frequent reflux of acid into the distal oesophagus due to lower oesophageal sphincter incompetence?

Answer 5

Erosive oesophagitis
Oesophageal ulcerstion
Symptoms of heartburn
May also lead to barrets oesophagus and adenocarcinoma

Question 6

What is barrets oesophagus and why is it significant?

Answer 6

This is metaplasia of the oesophagus so that it more closely resembles the epithelium of the stomach which occurs with recurrent acid exposure
It is significant as it has the propensity to progress to adenocarcinoma

Question 7

Antacids can relieve heartburn but are ineffective in healing oesophageal ulceration. T/F?

Answer 7

True

Question 8

What is the main treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Answer 8

Drugs such as proton lump inhibitors and histamine 2 receptor antagonists which will inhibit gastric secretion