GORD

Question 1

What is GORD?

Answer 1

reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus, causing such symptoms as heartburn and acid regurgitation.

Question 2

What is oseophagitis?

Answer 2

when someone has predominant symptoms of reflux and endoscopy reveals oesophageal mucosal breaks.

Question 3

What is endoscopy-negative reflux disease? aka non-erosive reflux disease?

Answer 3

the term used when someone has predominant symptoms of reflux but endoscopy is normal.

Question 4

Causes of GORD?

Answer 4

Lifestyle (obesity, fatty food, smoking, alcohol, coffee, stress)
Drugs that decrease lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, such as calcium-channel blockers, anticholinergics, theophylline, benzodiazepines, and nitrates.
Pregnancy

Question 5

What are complications of GORD?

Answer 5

Barret’s oesophagus
Oesophageal stricture
Ulcers
Adenocarcinoma

Question 6

3 indications for urgent referral for endoscopy?

Answer 6

Upper abdo mass
Dysphagia
>55yo + weight loss and upper abdo pain/reflux/dyspepsia

Question 7

3 indications for non-urgent endoscopy?

Answer 7

Haematemesis
>55 + treatment resistant dyspepsia/upper abdo pain with low Hb or raised platelets +nausea, vomiting, weight loss, reflux, dyspepsia, upper abdo pain/nausea and vomiting with weight loss, reflux, dyspepsia, upper abdo pain.

Question 8

Treatment of GORD?

Answer 8

Lifestyle changes e.g. don’t eat just before bed and lose weight
PPI (initially 1 month, if recurrent then continuous low dose)
Histamine H2 receptor antagonist eg ranitidine

Question 9

GORD symptoms

Answer 9

Heartburn (central chest pain)
Unpleasant taste
Halitosis
Bloating and burping
Nausea/vomiting
Dysphagia