Digestion & Bowel Elimination

GERD

burning of the throat

patho: gastric contents regurgitate back up into the esophagus, due to valves not closing tightly and preventing backflow

risk factors: spicy foods, caffeine, smoking, obesity, physical activity, alcohol, lying down after eating

S&S: frequent heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, sour taste in mouth, dysphagia, dyspepsia (epigastric pain), odynophagia (painful swallowing), belching, n/s, cough

treatment: H2 blockers (cimetidine, famotidine), PPIs (pantoprazole, omeprazole), antacids (tums, milk of magnesia)

GERD increases the risk of Barrett’s esophagus and can lead to esophageal cancer

Hiatal Hernia

patho: increased intra-abdominal pressure that results in pushing the stomach and others into the mediastinum

risk factors: multiple pregnancies, skeletal disorders, chronic constipation, COPD

S&S: GERD manifestations, boating, early satiety, postprandial fullness

treatment: H2-receptor blockers, PPIs, antacids

Gastritis

patho: inflammation of the inner tissue lining of the stomach

risk factors: overconsumption of alcohol, spicy/fried/acidic foods, NSAIDs, food poisoning, infections, stress, smoking, H.pylori

S&S: loss of appetite, increased belching, n/v, abdominal pain of the epigastric region, black and tarry stool, blood in the vomit

treatment: H2 blockers, PPIs, antacids, antibiotics (metronidazole)

Ulcers

patho: open sores that occur in the inner lining of the stomach (peptic ulcers)

risk factors: H.pylori, NSAIDs, smoking/alcohol, liver/kidney/lung disease, history of PUD

S&S: abdominal pain, weight loss, n/v, bloated, early satiety, hypotension, dizziness, weakness, SOB

treatment: PPIs, lower NSAID dose, prostaglandin (misoprostol), antibiotics (clarithromycin/metronidazole)