Upper GIT Flashcards
what are the components of the upper GIT? 6
oral cavity
salivary glands
pharynx
oesophagus
stomach
duodenum
what are the symptoms of GI disease? 6
Pain
dysphagia - difficulty swallowing
dyspepsia - discomfort related to upper GIT (heartburn, pain, acidity)
heartburn
regurgitation
odynophagia- pain when swallowing
what 2 ways are used to visualise the upper GI tract?
radiological investigation
endoscopy
what is a radiological investigation
barium is swallowed and radiographs are taken following the progress of the barium through the upper GIT
what is an endoscopy?
direct visualisation of the GIT and permits biopsies of areas of concern during the examination
name 3 upper GI disorders
gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
hiatus hernia
peptic ulcer disease
what is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)?
complication from the reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus or beyond into the oral cavity
what causes gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)?
excess acid at the Lowe oesophageal sphincter
what is hiatus hernia?
a segment of the stomach lies above the diaphragm
may reduce lower oesophageal sphincter pressure
leading to reflux of acid
general symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease 2
heartburn
regurgitation
oral symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease 5
dental erosion
globus - feeling of lump in throat
unpleasant taste
halitosis
burning sensation
how is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease manages?
lifestyle changes
proton pump inhibitors - PPI
antacids
examples of PPIs have what at the end of their names?
prazole
what are the oral side effects of PPIs 3
dry mouth - common
altered taste - rare
stomatitis - rare
when is omeprazole prescribed by the dentist?
when NSAIDs (ibuprofen) are being prescribed for patients with a past history of upper GI disease
name the 2 types of antacids
aluminium hydroxide based e.g. rennies
alginate based e.g. gaviscon
what are the complications of GORD? 7
Barrett’s oesophagus
Adenocarcinoma
Stricture
Ulceration
Haemorrhage
Anaemia
Aspiration pneumonia
what is peptic ulcer disease?
gastric and/or duodenal ulceration that penetrates the muscolaris mucosa exposing the submucosa
what is an ulcer?
a breach in the epithelium
what causes peptic ulcer disease?
H. pylori
NSAIDs
what are the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease? 5
epigastric pain
dyspepsia
vomiting
loss of appetite
sensation of bloating
what investigations are used if peptic ulcer disease is suspected? 3
upper GI endoscopy
determine if H.Pylori is present (e.g. breast test, biopsy)
what is the treatment for acute peptic ulcer disease?
endoscopy
rarely surgery
what is the treatment for non-acute peptic ulcer disease?
acid suppression - PPI
treat H.Pylori with PPI and antibiotics
what are the 3 dental considerations of upper GI disease?
safe prescribing
side effects of medical management
oral manifestations of the disease
what things should we be cautious of when prescribing NSAIDs?
older patients
in the presence of upper GI disease symptoms
with corticosteroids
name 2 side effects of PPIs
dry mouth - common
altered taste - rare
what are the side effects of H2 receptor antagonist? 2
dry mouth
altered taste - uncommon
what are the secondary symptoms of upper GI disease?
Aphthous lesion
Angular cheilitis
Oral candidiasis
Glossitis
burning sensation in the mouth
