GORD Flashcards
What are 6 symptoms of GORD?
- Heartburn
- Burning sensation arising from the upper abdomen or lower chest.
- Regurgitation
- Backward flow and return of swallowed food into the mouth.
- Waterbrash
- Sudden salivation as a result of esophageal acidification.
Does GORD require a counselling room?
No
What are 12 red flags for referral with GORD?
- Difficulty swallowing
- Painful swallowing
- Nocturnal choking
- Suspected GI bleed:
- Dark, tarry stools/vomit
- Persistent N+V
- Unexplained weight loss
- Crushing chest pain radiating to the back, neck, jaws or arms.
- Symptoms that occur daily or are recurrent.
- Family history of GI cancer.
- Long term NSAID use.
- First time symptoms in > 55
Does GORD have a PSA self-care card?
Yes (Heartburn and Indigestion)
What is the preferred over-the-counter treatment option for GORD?
Gaviscon Dual Action (Sodium Alginate; Calcium Carbonate; Sodium Bicarbonate)
What are the directions for Gaviscon Dual Action (Sodium Alginate; Calcium Carbonate; Sodium Bicarbonate) for GORD in adults and children over 12 years?
20 mL up to FOUR times daily as required after meals and before going to bed.
What are the directions for Gaviscon Dual Action (Sodium Alginate; Calcium Carbonate; Sodium Bicarbonate) for GORD in children aged 6 to 12 years?
10 mL up to FOUR times daily as required after meals and before going to bed.
What are 3 non-preferred over-the-counter options for GORD and why?
- Antacid monotherapy: don’t provide physical barrier
- Alginate monotherapy: not effective when lying down, which is often a trigger
- PPIs: less safety data, not suitable for children under 18
Is Gaviscon Dual Action (Sodium Alginate; Calcium Carbonate; Sodium Bicarbonate) safe in pregnancy?
Yes
Is Gaviscon Dual Action (Sodium Alginate; Calcium Carbonate; Sodium Bicarbonate) safe in breastfeeding?
Yes
Is Gaviscon Dual Action (Sodium Alginate; Calcium Carbonate; Sodium Bicarbonate) safe in diabetics?
Yes
What is the age range for Gaviscon Dual Action (Sodium Alginate; Calcium Carbonate; Sodium Bicarbonate)?
Safe in children over 6
What are 10 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for GORD?
- Have smaller frequent meals instead of larger infrequent meals
- Avoid spicy or fatty foods
- Avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and beverages with low pH i.e., red wine.
- Refrain from eating just before bed
- Avoid tight clothing
- Bed-head elevation with a wedge pillow when sleeping
- Nicotine can aggravate symptoms: encourage smoking cessation.
- Obesity can exacerbate symptoms: encourage weight loss.
- Whilst intense exercise can exacerbate symptoms, regular gentle exercise can improve symptoms.
- Separate antacids from other medicine by at least 2 hours because antacids can reduce the effects of certain medicines
When are antacids best used?
Optimum antacid effect is achieved if taken 1-3 hours after meals
Does GORD occurring in pregnancy typically resolve after delivery?
Yes
