Minor Ailments - Upper GI

Question 1

Scientific term for indigestion

Answer 1

dyspepsia

Question 2

definition of dyspepsia

Answer 2

persistent/recurrent pain/discomfort in upper abdomen due to a disorder of digestive function. Its often a sign of an underlying issue e.g GORD, ulcers or more serious conditions

Question 3

Who can suffer from dyspepsia?

Answer 3

anyone, HOWEVER if they never have had it and the first time is when they are over the age of 50 you should refer.

Question 4

Symptoms of dyspepsia

Answer 4

epigastric discomfort/chest pain, with/without:
-fullness after eating
-heartburn
-abdominal distension (bloating)
-flatulence
-acidic taste (due to acid reaching back of mouth)
-nausea and vomiting

Question 5

Danger symptoms when dealing with dyspepsia

Answer 5

-persistent abdominal pain (potentially ulcer)
-anorexia
-unexplained weight loss
-blood in vomit or stools
-severe pain
-vomiting with/without blood along with other symptoms
-difficulty swallowing (could be cancerous/ neurological issue)

Question 6

How many days of symptoms of dyspepsia before referring?

Answer 6

5 days, or if they keep reoccurring

Question 7

Differential diagnosis of dyspepsia

Answer 7

ulcer, gallstones, gastric cancer, angina, MI

Question 8

OTC treatments of dyspepsia

Answer 8

antacids, deflatulents (dimethicone, peppermint oil), H2 antagonists (ranitidine, nizatidine, famotidine), PPI (omeprazole etc.)

Question 9

non-drug advice for dyspepsia

Answer 9

smaller meals, eat with mouth closed, lose weight, drink less alcohol, stop smoking, avoid trigger factors (spicy foods etc), avoid stressful situations

Question 10

definition of GORD

Answer 10

digestive disorder involving lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) causing reflux of gastric contents (particularly acid) into oesophagus. Chronic heartburn is termed GORD.

Question 11

Symptoms of GORD

Answer 11

burning pain in chest in oesophageal area with or without pain and flatulence.

Question 12

Causes of GORD

Answer 12

dietary habits, lifestyle habits, medical causes (pregnancy, hiatus hernia, certain medications)

Question 13

Danger symptoms of GORD

Answer 13

difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), severe pain radiating to back and arms, pain aggravated by exercise

Question 14

When should u refer in GORD?

Answer 14

symptoms for over 1 week, recurrent symptoms, severe radiating pain

Question 15

Differential diagnosis of GORD

Answer 15

tumour, heart disease (atypical angina, MI)

Question 16

What medications can lead to GORD?

Answer 16

anticholinergics, relax sphincter muscle leading to regurgitation

Question 17

Non-drug advice for GORD

Answer 17

same as dyspepsia, as well as avoiding bending, raise head of bed, diet changes, health promotion

Question 18

OTC treatments for GORD

Answer 18

rafting agents (form layer floating above stomach contents) such as alginates which are found in gaviscon