GERD and PUD Flashcards
EOR exam 5 (111 cards)
What do parietal cells in the stomach secrete?
They secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) through the H⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump, also known as the proton pump.
What stimulates the secretion of HCl in the stomach?
- Histamine
- Acetylcholine
- The hormone gastrin (Gastrin stimulates stomach muscle contractions to aid in digestion)
What prevents acidic gastric contents from flowing back into the esophagus?
A protective ring of muscle fibers called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
What happens in GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)?
There is reduced LES pressure, allowing gastric contents to backflow into the esophagus.
What are typical symptoms of GERD?
- Heartburn (daytime or nocturnal)
- Hypersalivation
- Regurgitation of acidic contents into the mouth or throat.
Less common SE: - Epigastric pain, nausea, cough, sore throat, hoarseness, and chest pain.
How is GERD diagnosed?
- Based on patient-reported symptoms
- Duration, daytime/nighttime occurrence
- Frequency (≥ 2 times per week)
- Risk factors like family history, diet, and sleep position.
What is recommended for patients who don’t respond to GERD treatment?
24-hour esophageal pH monitoring.
What are some key drugs that can worsen GERD symptoms?
1.Aspirin/NSAIDs
2. Bisphosphonates
3. Dabigatran
4. Estrogen products
5. Fish oil products
6. Iron supplements
7. Nicotine replacement therapy
8. Steroids
9. Tetracyclines
What are alarm symptoms that require referral?
- Odynophagia (painful swallowing)
- Dysphagia
- Frequent nausea and vomiting
- Hematemesis
- Black or bloody stools
- Unintentional weight loss
How can infrequent heartburn (< 2 times/week) be treated?
With OTC antacids or H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) as needed.
What is the initial treatment for frequent (≥ 2 times/week) or severe GERD symptoms?
An 8-week course of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
What should be done after the initial 8-week PPI treatment?
- Stop treatment.
- If symptoms return, start maintenance therapy.
What is the first-line maintenance treatment for GERD?
PPI at the lowest effective dose.
What lifestyle modifications are recommended for GERD?
- Weight loss if overweight or recently gained weight
- Elevate the head of the bed
- Avoid eating high-fat meals within 2–3 hours of bedtime
- Avoid foods/beverages that trigger reflux (e.g., caffeine, chocolate, acidic/spicy foods, carbonated beverages)
What is an alternative maintenance treatment if there is no erosive esophagitis?
H2RA (Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist), if it relieves symptoms.
What treatments are not recommended for GERD ?
Metoclopramide and sucralfate.
How do antacids work?
1.They neutralize gastric acid by producing salt and water, which increases gastric pH
2. Relief occurs within minutes.
3. Short—about 30 to 60 minutes.
Why should caution be used with aspirin-containing antacids like Alka-Seltzer?
1.There is a serious bleeding risk if used too frequently.
What are the common antacid formulations?
- Calcium carbonate (Tums)
a. Calcium carbonate + magnesium (Mylanta Supreme)
b. Calcium carbonate + simethicone (Maalox Advanced Maximum Strength) - Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
a. Magnesium + aluminum + simethicone (Mylanta Maximum Strength) - Sodium bicarbonate/aspirin/citric acid (Alka-Seltzer)
How often must antacids typically be taken?
Many require dosing 4–6 times per day.
What is a major safety warning with aluminum and magnesium-containing antacids?
They can accumulate in patients with severe renal dysfunction (CrCl < 30 mL/min) and increase bleeding risk with aspirin-containing products
What are common side effects of antacids?
- Unpleasant taste
- Calcium: Constipation, bloating, belching
- Aluminum: Constipation, hypophosphatemia
- Magnesium: Loose stools (often balanced by combining with aluminum)
What antacids are preferred in pregnancy?
- Calcium containing antacids
How do H2RAs work?
They reversibly inhibit H2 receptors on gastric parietal cells, which decreases gastric acid secretion