GORD, Dyspepsia and Ulcers Flashcards
What is GORD?
Gastro-oesopageal reflux disease
What may be the underlying cause of GORD?
- Incompetent lower oesophageal sphincter
- Poor oesophageal clearance
- Barrir function or visceral senstivity
What is dysphagia?
Difficulty swallowing
What may be the main symptoms of GORD?
- Dysphagia
- Chest pain
- Acid reflux
- Heartburn
- Weight loss
- Odynophagia - pain on swallowing
What investigations can be done for GORD?
Endoscopy
Barium swallow
Nuclear studies
Biopsies
What treatments are available for oesophageal carcinoma?
Radiotherapy
Surgery - Oesophagostomy
What is the name of the stage before adenocarcinoma in the oesophagus?
Barret’s oesophagus
How is GORD managed? (3)
- Symptom relief
- Heal oesophagitits
- Prevent complications
Which lifestyle factor changes are recommended for GORD?
- Smoking cessation
- Lose weight
- Prop up bed
- Avoid provoking factors such as spicy or fatty foods
*
Why are antacids useful in GORD?
They provide symptomatic relief
(they do not aid healing or further prevention)
Which histamine receptor will histamine antagonists block in the oesophagus?
H2
Which histamine receptor antagonist can aid healing?
Ranitidine
(less effective then omeprazole (a PPI))
What are the negative effects of ranitidine?
Tolerance
Poor in preventing relapse and complications
Which drug class is the best at reducing symptoms over a period of four weeks as well as having healing effects?
Proton pump inhibitors
Omeprazole is the most commonly used
(lansoprazole is also used)
When sould PPIs be taken so their effects are noticed?
Around 30 minutes before a meal
When would surgery be utilised for patients with GORD?
When PPIs fail to reduce symptoms
What is the main concern for patients with Barrett’s oesophagus?
They may go on to develop adenocarcinoma
What are the best ways for dysplasia in the oesophagus to be managed?
- Increased surveillance and optimised PPI doseage
- Endoscopic mucosal resection
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Argon beam ablation - can also be used to stop blood loss in surgery
Which types of hernia will most likely contribute to GORD?
Sliding and paraoesophageal herniae
What is gastroparesis?
Delayed emptying of stomach
(there is no physical obstruction)
What symptom is often present during gastroparesis?
Vomiting
(this is worse at the end of the day due to filling of the stomach)
What symptoms may be associated with gastroparesis?
- Feeling of fullness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
- Upper abdominal pain
What can cause gastroparesis?
Idiopathic
Diabetes
Cannabis
Medication - opiates, anticholinergics
Systemic disease - systemic sclerosis