Week 2 Pre-Learning: GI Tract - GERD, Hiatal Hernia, Esophageal Cancer Flashcards
What are some complications that may occur in the upper GI? (6)
- GERD
- Hiatal Hernia
- GI Bleeding
- Esophageal cancer
- Peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
- Gastritis
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
- a condition where gastric contents move into the esophagus, creating the sensation of heartburn and/or esophagitis
What can GERD be caused by? (5)
- weak of incompetent lower esophageal sphincter
- Hiatal hernia
- Impaired esophageal motility
- Increased abdominal pressure
- Delayed gastric emptying
What are two common symptoms of GERD?
- heartburn (pyrosis)
- Regurgitation
What is pyrosis? (3)
- heartburn
- Burning/tight sensation felt intermittently beneath lower sternum and spread to throat/jaw
- occurs 30-60 mins after meal and worse when bending at night
What is regurgitation? (2)
- Effortless return of gastric contents
- Often described as hot bitter or sour liquid
What are respiratory symptoms of GERD?
- aspiration of stomach contents can can cause wheezing, coughing, and dyspnea
What are chronic complications of GERD? (3)
With ongoing esophagitis:
1) Ulceration and bleeding
2) Esophageal structure: narrowing of esophagus caused by scar tissue formation (leads to dysphagis)
3) Barrett’s esophagus
What is Barrett’s esophagus? (2)
- replacement of esophageal stratified squamous epithelium with simple columnar epithelium (like stomach/intestine)
- 10% of patients with Barrett’s will develop esophageal cancer
What is a hiatal hernia?
- Herniation of a portion of the stomach into the esophagus through an opening in the diaphragm
What are the contributing factors to developing a hiatal hernia? (2)
- weakening in the diaphragm around esophogastric opening
- increase in intra-abdominal pressure (obesity, pregnancy, ascites, tumours, heavy lifting)
What are symptoms of a hiatal hernia? (2)
- similar to GERD
- often occur when supine, after a large meal, and with smoking/alcohol
usually detected through imaging
What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer? (6)
- asymptomatic (early)
- Dysphagia (first with meat, then soft foods, then liquids)
- Neck pain
- sore throat
- Weight loss
- bleeding (complication)