H. Pylori and Gastric Disease Flashcards
What is dyspepsia?
Describes a group of symptoms - pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
Name the different types of symptoms that may be experienced in dyspepsia
- Upper abdominal discomfort
- Retrosternal pain
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Fullness
- Early satiety
- Heartburn
What are the two different types of dyspepsia?
Organic vs functional
Define organic dyspepsia
Definite pathology that can be identified, with structural abnormality being the cause
Define functional dyspepsia
Cells or structure completely normal but does not function properly
Give upper GI causes of dyspepsia
- Peptic ulcer
- Gastritis
- Non ulcer dyspepsia
- Gastric cancer
Give lower GI causes of dyspepsia
IBC, colonic cancer, coeliac disease
What are the alarms symptoms of dyspepsia which indicate you should refer to endoscopy?
- Anorexia
- Loss of weight
- Anaemia
- Recent onset > 55yrs or persistent despite treatment
- Melaena/haematemesis (GI bleeding) or mass
- Swallowing problems – dysphagia
What is melaena?
Production of dark faeces as a result of internal bleeding or swallowing of blood
What is haematemesis?
Blood in vomit
What investigations are used for dyspepsia?
Bloods:
FBC, ferritin (anaemia), LFTs, U&Es, calcium, glucose, coeliac serology/serum IgA
What do you ask in the history/examination of dyspepsia?
If patient has alarm symptoms
What do you look for in the drugs history of dyspepsia?
NSAIDs, steroids (cause inflammation), bisphosphonates, Ca antagonist, nitrates, theophyllines, remember OTT (over counter) – all these drugs can aggravate the upper GI tract
Describe the steps in the investigation of dyspepsia causes
- Alarm features?
Yes = UGIE - No = > 55yrs –> UGIE, <55yrs –> no UGIE, test for H. Pylori
What are the next steps if H. Pylori test is positive when investigating dyspepsia?
- Eradication therapy
* Symptomatic treatment with PPIs or H2R antagonists and lifestyle factors
What is a H2R antagonist?
Histamine H2 receptor blockers