Biol 2200

gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

a disease where stomach contents return to the esophagus because of
relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter or gastroparesis, which leads to increased abdominal pressure

manifestations of GERD

heartburn, dyspepsia

risk factors of GERD

Infancy (positional and reduced sphincter tone), increased intra-abdominal pressure (obesity, pregnancy), smoking, diet (fats, coffee, alcohol), lupus

peptic ulcer disease

a breakdown in the protective mucosal lining of the lower esophagus, stomach or duodenum; ulcers can be single or multiple, acute or chronic, and superficial (more properly called “erosions”) or deep; manifestations include epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting

hematemesis

vomiting of blood, bright red or “coffee ground”

melena

black foul-smelling stools