Upper GI Problems Flashcards
Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
a syndrome, not a disease
the most prevalent acid-related disorder
Cause of GERD
- cause is multi-factorial
- results when defences of lower esophagus are overwhelmed by reflux of stomach acidic contents into esophagus -> results in irritation and inflammation
- a common cause -> haital hernia (when the upper part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm)
One of the primary factors in GERD
Incompetent lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
How is GERD diagnosed
Diagnosis based on history and physical exam
Clinical Manifestations of GERD (7)
- heartburn (pyrosis) - most common
- burning, tight sensation, intermittently beneath lower sternum, radiating to throat and jaw
- after ingestion of food that decreased LES pressure
- regurgitation
- Dysphagia
- Odynophagia (painful swallowin)
- Requires further investigation to rule out MI because the symptoms can be similar.
Complications of GERD (3)
- Esophagitis
- Barretts esophagus
- Respiratory complications: bronchospams, laryngospasm, cricopharyngeal spasm
Esophagitis
Scar tissue formation & decreased distensibility from repeated exposure
Barretts esophagus
Considered a precancerous lesion, increased risk for esophageal cancer
Endoscopic monitoring Q2-3 years
Cells that look like large and small intestine cells are found in the esophagus
Diagnostic Studies for GERD
Barium swallow studies
Endoscopy
Esophageal nanometric studies (measures the pressure in the esophagus and sphincter)
Radionuclide tests
Collaborative Care GERD: Lifestyle Modification
- attention to diet & drug that affect LES, acid secretion, or gastric emptying
- obese patients are encouraged to lose weight
- smokers are encouraged in smoking cessation
Collaborative Care GERD: Nutritional Therapy
- Food can aggravate symptoms
- Foods causing reflux (high fat foods)
- Foods that decreased LES pressure should be avoided: chocolate, peppermint, caffeine
- Encourage small frequent meals
Collaborative Care GERD: Drug Therapy Goal
- Goals: improve LES function, increased esophageal clearance, decreased vol and acidity of reflux & protect esophageal mucosa
Collaborative Care GERD: Drug Therapy - step-up approach vs step-down approach
step-up: Starts with nonprescription meds (antacids, and OTC histamine H2-receptor blockers; then prescription H2R blockers and finally proton pump inhibitors)
Step down: starting with a PPI and over time, titrating down to prescription H2R blockers and finally to OTC H2R blockers and antacids.
Collaborative Care GERD: Drug therapy - cholinergic drugs
- increased LES pressure, increase esophageal emptying, and increase gastric emptying
What is gastritis?
Inflammation of the gastric mucosa
Categories of Gastritis
- acute or chronic
- diffuse or localized
Subtypes of Chronic Gastritis
Autoimmune (involves the body and the funds of the stomach)
Diffuse Antral (affects primarily the antrum
Multifocal (diffse throughout the stomach
Pathophysiology of Gastritis
- result of breakdown in normal gastric mucosal barrier -> HCl can diffse back into the mucosa -> results in tissue edema, disruption of capillary walls with loss of plasma into gastric lumen, possibly hemorrhage
Causes of Gastritis: Drugs
- ASA, NSAIDS, corticosteroids, directly irritating and inhibit prostaglandin synthesis
Causes of Gastritis: Dietary indiscretions
Alcoholic drinking binge - destruction of epithelial cells, mucosal congestion, edema, hemorrhage
A large quantities of spicy, irritating foods