GERD Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
A condition where the amount of gastric juice that refluxes into the esophagus exceeds the normal limit, causing symptoms with or without esophageal mucosal injury.
What are the key esophageal defense mechanisms against reflux?
Esophageal clearance(neutralization by alkaline saliva & peristalsis)
Mucosal resistance.
What are the causes of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) incompetence?
Transient relaxation of LES
Permanent relaxation of LES
Increased intra-abdominal pressure.
How does delayed gastric emptying contribute to GERD?
It increases gastric content, leading to increased pressure against the LES and reflux.
What is a hiatal hernia?
The migration of the lower esophagus into the chest, leading to a loss of its abdominal high-pressure zone.
Why do obesity and pregnancy increase GERD risk?
They increase intra-abdominal pressure.
What is chyme reflux in GERD?
Excessive retrograde movement of acid-containing gastric secretions and bile into the esophagus.
What foods can cause transient LES relaxation?
Coffee, alcohol, chocolate, and fatty meals.
What are the two major symptoms of GERD?
Heartburn and regurgitation.
What factors worsen heartburn in GERD?
Bending, straining, and lying down.
What are some other symptoms of GERD?
Water brash, odynophagia, and dysphagia.
What is water brash?
Increased salivation due to reflux.
When do GERD symptoms typically worsen?
Coffee, alcohol intake, Chocolate, Fatty meals or at night while lying down.
What relieves GERD symptoms?
Antacids, water, or standing up.
What is esophagitis?
Inflammation of the esophagus due to acid injury.
What is Barrettβs esophagus?
A premalignant condition where squamous epithelium changes to columnar epithelium.
N/b: it increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
What is a benign esophageal stricture?
Narrowing of the esophagus due to long-standing esophagitis.
How can GERD cause anemia?
Chronic esophagitis can lead to occult blood loss, resulting in iron deficiency anemia.
What are key investigations for GERD?
Upper GI endoscopy
Esophageal manometry
24-hour pH monitoring
Imaging for hiatal hernia.
What does esophageal manometry assess?
LES pressure.
What lifestyle modifications help manage GERD?
β¦οΈWeight loss (if overweight)
β¦οΈAvoiding alcohol/chocolate/coffee/fatty meals
β¦οΈWaiting 3 hours after meals before lying down
β¦οΈElevating the head of the bed.
What type of medication is cimetidine?
H2 receptor antagonist.
What type of medication is omeprazole?
Proton pump inhibitor.
How do H2 receptor antagonists help GERD?
They reduce acid secretion.
