Pathophysiology of Gastric Disease Flashcards
Briefly define Dyspepsia
Complex of upper GI symptoms typically present for 4+ weeks. Incl. abdo pain, nausea and/vomiting, heartburn
What is GORD?
Gastric oesophageal reflux disease, chest pain, cough and acid taste in mouth.
Name 2 triggers of GORD
Pregnancy and obesity
What is the Lower Oesophageal sphincter?
distal 4cm of oesophagus, containing muscular elements and Right crus of diaphragm
What is Gastritis?
Inflammation of the stomach mucosa, with pain, nausea vomiting and bleeding. Can be acute or chronic.
What causes acute gastritis, symptoms and treatment?
Inflammatory process caused by alcohol, NSAIDS, chemotherapy. Can be asymptomatic or cause pain and nausea. Treatment is removal of the irritant.
What causes chronic gastritis and its symptoms?
H-pylori infection or antibodies to parietal cells, symptoms similar to acute gastritis. If autoimmune can cause anorexia or neurological symptoms.
How does Helicobacter-pylori spread and what does it do?
oral to oral/ faecal to oral. Increases local pH and adheres to gastric epithelia
In what part of the stomach does H-pylori cause the most problems?
Antrum, causes increased acidity and can cause duodenal ulceration
How is H-pylori diagnosed and treated?
Urea breath test or stool antigen test. Treated with proton pump inhibitor or amoxicillin.
Define peptic ulcer disease
Defect in gastric or duodenal mucosa that must extend through the muscularis mucosa
What is the most common mechanism for a peptic ulcer?
Breakdown of normal defences against stomach acid
Name 3 causes of peptic ulcer disease
H-pylori, smoking, NSAIDS and massive physiological stress
What is the difference between Acute and Chronic peptic ulcers?
Acute develop as part of gastritis, Chronic occur most frequently at mucosal junctions
Name 2 clinical consequences of a peptic ulcer
Pyloric stenosis, perforation, fistula or haemorrhage
