GORD (Gastro-Oeosphageal Reflux Disease) Flashcards
What are the causes of GORD?
Hiatus Hernia Certain Food Smoking Obesity Alcohol Dysfunction of the LOS
What is the pathology of GORD?
Stomach acidic spill into the oesophagus from the stomach
Causes a reddened, inflamed, ulcerated oesophagus
Describe the affect of Hiatus Hernia on GORD?
Having a hiatus hernia increases the chances of developing GORD however not everyone with a Hiatus Hernia has GORD and vice versa
Describe the relationship between Lower Oesophageal sphicnter GORD?
If the LOS has problems contracting properly then it may not shut correctly and may lead to GORD
Describe the relationship between certain food (Chocolate, caffeine, etc) and GORD
Certain foods may make the sphincter less likely to contract and therefore cause GORD
Symptoms of GORD?
Heartburn
Retrosternal Chest pain, especially after eating
Worse on lying down
Pain usually relieved by antacids
Investigations of GORD in a patient under 65 with no red flags?
Clinical is enough
Investigations of GORD in a patient over 65 OR with red flags?
Endoscopy
Barium Swallow
Describe the complications of GORD?
Anaemia (Due to blood loss)
LOS stricture due to fibrosis (May lead to dysphagia)
Treatment?
Lifestyle changes
Drugs
Describe the lifestyle changes require to treat GORD?
Lose weight Reduce alcohol intake Stop smoking Avoiding eating late at night Sleep propperd up
Describe the drug treatment in GORD?
PPIS (Eg: Omeprazole)
Antacids
What is a differential diagnosis for GORD?
MI
Heartburn
What is the difference between heartburn and GORD?
Occasionally heartburn is normal and is only classed as GORD when pathological changes have occurred to allow gastric contents to be in constant contact with oesophagus
What are the histological changes in GORD?
Increased Cell Desquamation
Basal Zone Hyperplasia
Elongated Connective Tissue Papillae
