GORD and hiatus hernia Flashcards
(149 cards)
What is the definition of gastro-oesophageal reflux?
Some degree of reflux is physiological. Reflux is a normal process, and is often asymptomatic. Pathological reflux is when abnormal exposure of the oesophagus to gastric acid leads to symptoms or mucosal injury.
What is the epidemiology of GORD in Western society?
10-20% experience weekly symptoms, probably associated with lifestyle risk factors rather than genetic factors.
What is the incidence of GORD in East Asia?
The lowest incidence is 5%.
How is the incidence of GORD changing over time?
The incidence is increasing over time.
What is the pathophysiology of normal reflux events?
Small amounts of reflux events are normal and generally asymptomatic.
What can cause symptoms of GORD?
Symptoms can result from inappropriate relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter in the absence of peristaltic contraction of the oesophagus, or due to lowering of lower oesophageal sphincter pressure.
What is the role of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) in preventing reflux?
Functional lower oesophageal sphincter mechanism prevents pathological reflux.
What creates a physiological high pressure zone in the oesophagus?
Intrinsic musculature tone of the oesophagus.
How do muscles in the oesophagus function during swallowing?
Muscles in a state of tonic contraction relax to allow passage of food bolus.
What are sling fibres of the gastric cardia?
Fibres oriented diagonally from cardia-fundus junction to the lesser curve of the stomach, functions to increase pressure.
What is the function of the crura of the diaphragm?
Surround the oesophagus as it passes through the oesophageal hiatus and compress the oesophagus during inspiration.
What is positive pressure intra-abdominal oesophagus?
When the gastro-oesophageal junction is anchored within the abdominal cavity, increased intra-abdominal pressure relative to intrathoracic pressure compresses the intra-abdominal portion of the oesophagus.
What is the angle of His?
The angle of the oesophagus as it enters the cardia, acting as a flap valve.
Fill in the blank: Pathological reflux leads to _______.
[symptoms or mucosal injury]
What is the role of acid clearance in mucosal defence?
Acid clearance involves persistalsis and gravity during the day
What does cellular buffering of acid refer to?
Cellular buffering of acid helps maintain pH balance in the mucosal environment
What are the two main categories in the Montreal Classification of GORD?
Oesophageal and Extra-esophageal syndromes
This classification helps in understanding the different manifestations of GORD.
How does the Montreal Classification further divide syndromes?
Depending on symptoms, complications, and whether associations are established or proposed
This division is useful for creating a tree diagram of the conditions.
What are the symptomatic oesophageal syndromes listed in the Montreal Classification?
- Typical reflux syndrome
- Reflux chest pain syndrome
- Non Erosive Reflux Disease (NERD)
- Hypersensitivity
These syndromes are characterized by the presence of symptoms without significant oesophageal injury.
What are the syndromes with oesophageal injury according to the Montreal Classification?
- Oesophagitis
- Stricture
- Barrett’s Oesophagus
- Adenocarcinoma
These conditions indicate damage to the oesophagus due to reflux.
What are the established associations of extra-oesophageal syndromes?
- Reflux cough
- Reflux laryngitis
- Reflux asthma
- Reflux dental erosions
These conditions show a clear relationship with gastro-oesophageal reflux.
What are the proposed associations of extra-oesophageal syndromes?
- Pharyngitis
- Sinusitis
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- Recurrent otitis media
These associations are suggested but not definitively established.
What characterizes Grade A reflux oesophagitis?
One or more mucosal breaks <5mm in maximal length
This grade indicates minimal damage to the esophageal lining.
What defines Grade B reflux oesophagitis?
One or more mucosal breaks >5mm but without continuity across mucosal folds
This grade shows more significant damage than Grade A.