Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Etiology
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be caused by a number of different medical conditions. People suffering from obesity are more likely to develop GERD, and given the obesity epidemic in the United States and other western countries this explains why the prevalence of GERD approaches 20% in these countries. Pregnant women, smokers, diabetics, asthmatics, and anyone who suffers from slow digesting also have an increased risk of developing this disease.
Some people may suffer from genetic or medical conditions that predispose them to developing GERD. A hiatal hernia results when the upper portion of the stomach pushes up into the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, the esophagus, and if the hernia is severe enough then GERD may develop. Schleroderma is a rare, progressive disease that causes the skin and other connective tissues to harden, which may interfere with the proper functioning of the...
Too much stomach acid can result from the development of tumors in and around the pancreas, and cause GERD.
Causes
The diaphragm is a valve that connects the stomach to the esophagus and helps to prevent digesting food from flowing backwards. If anything interferes with the proper functioning of this valve, such as obesity, then stomach acid can leak into the esophagus and irritate this tissue. If this happens often enough, then the esophagus will eventually become eroded by the stomach acid and esophageal ulcers and breathing problems will develop.
Diagnosis
The primary method for diagnosing GERD is to image the upper digestive system. To provide better resolution the patient may be required to drink a barium solution immediately prior to the X-ray. GERD may also be diagnosed using endoscopy, which involves passing a tube containing a light source and camera into the esophagus.…
Pathophysiology of Gastric Acid Stimulation and Production The human body produces gastric acid in the stomach, primarily to digest proteins (Anand, 2015; Huether & McCance, 2012). It is composed o hydrochloric acid and sodium chloride. It digests proteins through the action of digestive enzymes and allowing digestive enzymes break down the long chains of amino acids from digested proteins. The production of gastric acid us regulated by the autonomous nervous system
Chronic Health: Comprehensive Case Study Part A Setting: Skilled nursing facility. The facility largely offers residential care for senior citizens – mostly from the age of 65 and above. The patient is a 72-year-old Caucasian male who has been undergoing rehabilitation treatment, specifically orthopedic physical therapy, deemed necessary from a medical point of view. Clinical information: Chief complaint: Client complains of abdominal pain and “heartburn.” HPI: Patient points out that he has been experiencing serious pain
Prescription antifungal or antiyeast medications may also interfere with the action of omeprazole and should not be taken concurrently with it. Plain Language: Omeprazole is a drug primarily used to treat the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid shoots up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. Although it is a prescription-only medication in many places, it is also sold over-the-counter in
SOAP NotePatient Initials: S.P. Age: 42 Gender: FemaleSUBJECTIVE DATAChief Complaint (CC): \\\"I\\\'ve been having stomach discomfort and problems for the past few weeks.\\\"History of Present Illness (HPI): 42-year-old Caucasian female presents with complaints of stomach discomfort for the last 3-4 weeks.Location: Upper abdominal regionQuality: Burning sensationQuantity or severity: Moderate to severeTiming: Began gradually about 3-4 weeks ago and has been persistent since thenSetting: Symptoms worsen post mealsFactors: Spicy foods seem
Gastric Acid Stimulation and Production Pathophysiology of gastric acid stimulation and production The parietal cells in the stomach are responsible for the production of gastric acid. Parietal cells contain secretory canaliculus, which produce gastric acid and release it into the gastric lumen. Gastric acid is produced as a response to the messages received through hormonal, paracrine, and neurocrine messengers (Schubert & Peura, 2008). The production of gastric acid undergoes three phases namely
Chronic GI/GU Condition Case Studies Scenario 1 The primary diagnosis in the present scenario would be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The diagnosis in this case has been made on the strength of the presenting symptoms. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases – NIDDK (2014), some of the symptoms associated with GERD include a “regular heartburn, a painful, burning feeling in the middle of your chest, behind