GERD
Pathophysiology Course
Pathophysiology
Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
Esophageal - Esophagus
Gastro - Stomach
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Fancy words for heartburn or acid reflux where
stomach acids burn the esophagus, leading to
pain, inflammation, & even CANCER called
Barrett’s esophagus
(if the chronic acid reflux is not treated)
Dyspepsia “heartBURN”
Worse pain = Lying down
Causes & Education
Anything that can weaken or damage the
LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) the muscle
that closes the opening between the stomach
& esophagus.
AVOID Eating EXAM TIP
● Fried Foods (Fries, fried chicken)
● Fatty Foods “low fat diet = BEST”
● Citrus (Acidic)
● Dairy (milk, cheese)
● Chocolate
● Peppermint / Spearmint
AVOID eating before lying down
(3 hours after meals)
Sit up after meals
Elevate HOB at night
Eat Small meals
NO Caffeine (coffee)
NO Cigarettes (tobacco)
NO Alcohol
3 Hours
Pharmacology
Risk Factors:
Stress
Obese (BMI over 30)
Hiatal hernia
Acid reducers
● Antacids
● Histamine receptor blockers
Ranitidine
● PPIs: Proton pump inhibitors
Omeprazole
Procedures
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
(EGD)
Histamine receptor blockers
Diaphragm
>30
Peritonitis PRIORITY
Report to HCP!
●
Fever (over 100.3ᴼF)
●
Rebound tenderness
●
“Rigid” or “board-like abdomen”
Increasing Pain, tenderness
Restless
●
●
Gastro
EGD
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Hiatal hernia
Ranitidine
●
Duodenal
Proton pump inhibitors
Acid reducers
Complication of Procedures
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
Esophagus
Omeprazole
Antacid
Fast HR & RR
(tachycardia / tachypnea)
Surgery
Stretta procedure - delivers radiofrequency
energy waves through electrodes to tighten
the LES.
Fundoplication - wrap the upper curve of
the stomach called the fundus around the
esophagus & sew it shut. Helping to tighten
this esophageal sphincter.