Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
a syndrome, not a disease
the most prevalent acid-related disorder
Cause of GERD
One of the primary factors in GERD
Incompetent lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
How is GERD diagnosed
Diagnosis based on history and physical exam
Clinical Manifestations of GERD (7)
Complications of GERD (3)
Esophagitis
Scar tissue formation & decreased distensibility from repeated exposure
Barretts esophagus
Considered a precancerous lesion, increased risk for esophageal cancer
Endoscopic monitoring Q2-3 years
Cells that look like large and small intestine cells are found in the esophagus
Diagnostic Studies for GERD
Barium swallow studies
Endoscopy
Esophageal nanometric studies (measures the pressure in the esophagus and sphincter)
Radionuclide tests
Collaborative Care GERD: Lifestyle Modification
Collaborative Care GERD: Nutritional Therapy
Collaborative Care GERD: Drug Therapy Goal
Collaborative Care GERD: Drug Therapy - step-up approach vs step-down approach
step-up: Starts with nonprescription meds (antacids, and OTC histamine H2-receptor blockers; then prescription H2R blockers and finally proton pump inhibitors)
Step down: starting with a PPI and over time, titrating down to prescription H2R blockers and finally to OTC H2R blockers and antacids.
Collaborative Care GERD: Drug therapy - cholinergic drugs
What is gastritis?
Inflammation of the gastric mucosa
Categories of Gastritis
Subtypes of Chronic Gastritis
Autoimmune (involves the body and the funds of the stomach)
Diffuse Antral (affects primarily the antrum
Multifocal (diffse throughout the stomach
Pathophysiology of Gastritis
Causes of Gastritis: Drugs
Causes of Gastritis: Dietary indiscretions
Alcoholic drinking binge - destruction of epithelial cells, mucosal congestion, edema, hemorrhage
A large quantities of spicy, irritating foods
Causes of Gastritis: Microorganisms
H. pylori
- capable of breakdown of gastric mucosal barrier with a “trigger”
- chronic gastritis, in diffuse, antral, and multifocal types
- don’t have symptoms of gastritis
Bacteria, viruses and fungi
Clinical Manifestations of Acute Gastritis (7)
Clinical Manifestations of Chronic Gastritis (3)
Nursing Management: Acute Gastritis