Upper GI Flashcards
what does the upper GI tract consist of
mouth, oropharynx, esophagus, stomach and duodenum (small intestine)
where does digestion begin
in the mouth
what is peristalsis
a rhythmic movement of contraction and expansion of the smooth muscle
- propels the food toward the stomach
how are gastric secretions regulated
primarily by the parasympathetic nervous system
how is vomiting of GI contents controlled by
by the vomit center (VC) in the medulla of the brain
what is GERD
gastroesophageal reflux disease
- allows stomach acid to back up into the esophagus
what are the 4 major symptoms of GERD
heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) & waterbrash (regurgitation of water acid)
what is helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
gram-negative, spiral bacterium that weakens the protective mucous lining of the stomach and duodenum
what is peptic ulcer
ulcer formation in the esophagus, stomach or duodenum
what is pancreatitis
occurs when the digestive enzymes production is reduced or no longer occurs
what is obesity
where the BMI exceeds the normal range
what is Nausea & vomiting caused by
the stimulation of the chemoreceptors in the brain and GI tract
how do you treat Helicobacter pylori
with a classic quadruple therapy (bismuth, a PPI, 1500mg of metronidazole, and 1500 mg of tetracycline)
why are h2 RA’s more effective than h1 RA’s in treatment of upper GI tract problems
h2 RAs block the effect of histamine at h2 receptors, particularly those in the parietal cells of the stomach. antihistamines that block histamine-1 receptors, the most frequent site of action for antihistamines, do no affect h2 receptor sites, and h2 RAs do not block h1 sits; they also are not anticholinergic
