Quick summary of acid reflux disease facts

1.Gastroesophageal Acid Reflux Disease (GERD, acid reflux ) is injury to the esophagus that develops from chronic exposure of the esophagus to acid coming up from the stomach (acid reflux).

2.In contrast, heartburn is the symptom of acid in the esophagus, characterized by a burning discomfort behind the breastbone (sternum).

3.Patients that have heartburn symptoms more than once a week are at risk of developing GERD (acid reflux).

4.A hiatal hernia is usually asymptomatic, but the presence of a hiatal hernia is a risk factor for development of GERD (acid reflux).

5.Trouble swallowing Dysphagia requires immediate medical attention Vomiting blood or partially digested blood (looks like coffee grounds) requires immediate medical attention as does digested blood in the stools.

6.Edema and basal hyperplasia (non-specific inflammatory changes) Lymphocytic inflammation (non-specific) Neutrophilic inflammation (usually either acid reflux or Helicobacter gastritis) Eosinophilic inflammation (usually due to acid reflux) Goblet cell intestinal metaplasia or Barretts esophagus.

7.Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can present with increased gastric acidity due to gastrin production.

8.Treatment Avoiding aggravating factors The rubric “lifestyle modifications” is the term physicians use when recommending non-pharmaceutical treatments for GERD.

9.Avoid eating for 2 hours before bedtime and elevate the head of the bed on 6 inch blocks.

10.Drug treatment A number of drugs are registered for the treatment of GERD, and they are amongst the most often prescribed forms of medication is most Western countries.

11.The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the LES to strengthen the sphincter and prevent acid reflux and to repair a hiatal hernia.

Category: Gastroenterology Notes