GORD Flashcards
Define GORD
Dysfunctional relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) that allows the acidic gastric contents to reflux into oesophagus leading to heartburn.
List the symptoms of GORD
Heartburn, Acid reflux, Chest pain, Feeling pain, Upper abdominal discomfort, Bloating, Difficulty swallowing, sensation of a lump in throat.
Describe the frequency/pattern of GORD symptoms
Nocturnal/ episodic
What can aggravate these symptoms?
Meals and reclining positions
Describe the GORD mechanisms
- Produced by generation of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation (TLOSRs) in the absence of swallowing.
- TLORs arise from stimulation of gastric vagal mechanoreceptors allowing gastric acid, pepsin and bile to contact oesophagus epithelium.
- Oesophagul hypo-motility and abnormal oesophageal contractility can occur.
Describe the pathogenesis of GORD
- lOS barrier impairment
- TLOSRs
- Low resting LOS pressure
- Increased gastric pressure
- Decreased clearance of refluxed materials
- Decreased mucosal resistance
Give 3 examples of foods that contribute to decreased LOS pressure
Chocolate
Alcohol
Coffee
Give 3 examples of food/medicines that irritate gastric mucosa
Coffee
Spicy food
NSAIDs
Give 2 contributing factors that stimulate acid secretions
smoking
alcohol
List the 2 clinIcal groups of GORD
- Non-erosive reflux disease
- Erosive oesophagitis
- Barrett’s oesophagus
Define erosive oesophagitis
Acute inflammatory Th-cell 1 response associated with oesophageal injury
Describe the cause of reflux cough and reflux asthma
Micro aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs
Who is Barrett’s syndrome most prevalent in?
adult caucasian males
What disease does Barrett’s syndrome increase the risk of?
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma
List the red flags of Barrett’s oesophagus
Bleeding, unexplained weight loss, choking, chest pain, dysphagia