Upper GI Disorders Flashcards
Upper GI
Esophagus
Stomach
Beginning of small Intestines
Lower GI
Small intestines
Colon
Large Intestines
Rectum/Anus
Dysphagia Definition
Difficulty swallowing
-Begins with solids and progresses to liquids
Common Causes of Dysphagia
- Mechanical obstruction
- Stenosis
- Diverticula
- Tumors - Neuromuscular dysfunction
- CVA (stroke)
- Achalasia (LES can’t open properly)
LES
Lower Esophageal Sphincter
GERD is a problem with the…
Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)
-
GERD Etiology
Anything that alters closure strength of LES or increases abdominal pressure
GERD Foods + Irritating Factors
Fatty foods Spicy foods Tomato based Citrus Caffeine Excess alcohol Cigarettes Sleep Position Obesity Pregnancy Certain drugs
GERD: Manifestations
Pyrosis (heartburn) Dyspepsia (indigestion or pain in stomach) Regurgitation Chest pain Dysphagia Pulmonary symptoms
Other GERD Manifestations
Mouth
- tooth decay
- gingivitis
- bad breath
Chest
- Chronic cough
- Worsening asthma
- Recurrent PNA
Abdomen
- Bloating
- Belching
Ears
-Earache
Throat
- Hoarseness
- chronic sore throat
- Throat clearing
- Laryngitis
- Lump in throat
- Post nasal drip
GERD Complications
Ulcerations
Scarring
Strictures
Barret’s esophagus
Barrett’s
Development of abnormal Metaplastic tissue
- 3x risk for adenocarcinoma
- Overall survival only 17%
Upper GI: Hiatal Hernia
Defect in diaphragm that allows part of the STOMACH to pass into the THORAX
2 types of Hiatal Hernia
- Sliding Hernia- usually small and often no treatment needed
- Paraoesophageal- part of stomach pushes through the diaphragm and stays there
Hiatal Hernia: Patho (Causes)
-Exact Cause unknown
-Age related
-Obesity
-Injury or other damage may weaken the diaphragm
-Repeatedly putting to much pressure on the muscles around the stomach
+Severe coughing
+Vomiting
+Constipation and straining
HH: Symptoms
- Asymptomatic
- Belching
- Dysphagia
- Chest or epigastric pain
HH Risk Factors
Age
Obesity
Smoking
HH treatment
MOSTLY CONSERVATIVE
- small, freq meals, avoid laying after meal
- avoid tight clothing and abd supports
- Weight control for obesity
- Antacids for GERD
- Surgery if Bad