GIT - Upper - Conditions Flashcards
1
Q
Oesophagus
A
- connects oropharynx & stomach, posterior to trachea & larynx
- smooth muscle layers provide peristalsis, epithelial layer secretes mucus to protect surface & lubricate food
- passes through hiatus (opening) in the diaphragm to reach the stomach (where hiatus / hiatal hernias occur)
2
Q
Dysphagia
A
- difficulty swallowing
- can result from altered nerve function or narrowing of the oseophagus
- results in choking, coughing, sensation of food stuck in throat
3
Q
Oesophageal Diverticulum
A
- outpouching of the oesophageal wall caused by weakened muscle layer
- retains food
- S&S - gurgling, belching, coughing, foul-smelling breath
- treatment - surgery
4
Q
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
A
- reflux - backward or return movement
- gastric contents backflow into oseophagus
- associated with a weakened or incompetent lower oesophageal sphincter that allows reflux to occur, oesophagus is exposed to acidic gastric fluid, leads to inflammation & hyperaemia
5
Q
GORD - Symptoms & Complications
A
- results in heart burn 30-60mins post meal, made worse by lying or bending and relieved by sitting upright
- S&S
- occurs during night
- antacids give rapid relief
- belching & chest pain, epigastric or retrosternal pain, may radiate to throat, shoulder or back
- may produce respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, chronic cough, hoarseness
- complications
- hyperaemia, oedema & erosion of luminal surface
- results in strictures or Barrett’s oesophagus (increased risk of cancer)
- scar tissue, spasm & oedema cause narrowing of the oesophagus = dysphagia