minor ailments in the upper GI Flashcards
definition of dyspepsia (indigestion)
a persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen due to a disorder of digestive function
definition of Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) (heartburn)
a digestive disorder involving the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) causing the reflux of gastric contents particularly acid into the oesophagus
what is dyspepsia often a sign of
underlying issue eg GORD or ulcers and some similar symptoms to other more serious conditions
when should you refer for indigestion
if first time having it is over 50
if lasts more than 5 days
if they have these symptoms
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Anorexia
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Severe pain
- Vomiting with or without blood
- Difficulty swallowing
what are the symptoms of indigesiton
Epigastric discomfort or chest pain with or without
- A feeling of fullness after eating
- Heartburn
- bloating
- Flatulence
- Acidic taste
- Nausea / vomiting
what medicines can cause indigestion
NSAIDS
iron,
erythromycin,
steroids,
oestrogens,
oral contraceptives
how to treat indigestion
antacids
deflatulents
H2 agonists
PPIs
how do antacids work
by physically neutralising stomach acid
how do deflatulents work
Break up and release trapped wind
examples of deflatulents
dimethicone, simeticone, peppermint oil
how do histamine H2 antagonists work
both basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion are inhibited reducing both the acid content and to a smaller extent the pepsin content and volume of the gastric juice
how long do histamine H2 antagonists take to work
work rapidly and last up to 12 hours
how do proton pump inhibitors work (PPIs)
they inhibit the proton pump which is the final stage in the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach
how long does it take for PPIs to work
1-2 hours and last 24 hours
when should you refer from GORD
if the first time having It is over 50
if more than 1 week
Recurrent symptoms
Severe radiating pain
