Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd)
GASTRO ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)
General Description of GERD
It is one of the most common diseases, greatly affecting health care and contributing to the expenditure in the United States of nearly 12 billion dollars per year for antacid medications. GERD affects nearly equal proportions of men and women, but a male predominance occurs in esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus. Increasing age is an important factor in the prevalence of GERD complications, probably the result of cumulative acid injury overtime to the esophagus.
In a nationwide population-based study by the Gallup Organization in the US, 44% of the respondents reported heartburn at least once a month. On the basis of symptoms, GERD is common in Western countries. Obesity has been associated as a contributory factor in the increase prevalence of GERD in western populations. Along with environmental factors, the epidemiology of GERD may also be attributed to genetics. The genetic mechanisms are unknown but maybe related to a smooth muscle disorder associated with hiatal hernia, reduced lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and impaired esophageal motility
Etiology
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a consequence of the failure of the normal antireflux barrier to protect against frequent and abnormal amounts of gastroesophageal reflux. It is the gastric contents moving effortlessly from the stomach to the esophagus. It is a normal physiologic process that occurs
multiple times each day especially after large meals. Possible factors determining whether reflux occurs include abdominal straining, presence of hiatal hernia and degree of esophageal shortening and duration of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations. Pregnancy also increases the risk of reflux by increasing intraabdominal pressure and through hormonal mechanisms. In addition, pharmacologic agents such as progesterone-containing medications (birth control pills), narcotics, benzodiazepines,
General Description of GERD
It is one of the most common diseases, greatly affecting health care and contributing to the expenditure in the United States of nearly 12 billion dollars per year for antacid medications. GERD affects nearly equal proportions of men and women, but a male predominance occurs in esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus. Increasing age is an important factor in the prevalence of GERD complications, probably the result of cumulative acid injury overtime to the esophagus.
In a nationwide population-based study by the Gallup Organization in the US, 44% of the respondents reported heartburn at least once a month. On the basis of symptoms, GERD is common in Western countries. Obesity has been associated as a contributory factor in the increase prevalence of GERD in western populations. Along with environmental factors, the epidemiology of GERD may also be attributed to genetics. The genetic mechanisms are unknown but maybe related to a smooth muscle disorder associated with hiatal hernia, reduced lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and impaired esophageal motility
Etiology
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a consequence of the failure of the normal antireflux barrier to protect against frequent and abnormal amounts of gastroesophageal reflux. It is the gastric contents moving effortlessly from the stomach to the esophagus. It is a normal physiologic process that occurs
multiple times each day especially after large meals. Possible factors determining whether reflux occurs include abdominal straining, presence of hiatal hernia and degree of esophageal shortening and duration of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations. Pregnancy also increases the risk of reflux by increasing intraabdominal pressure and through hormonal mechanisms. In addition, pharmacologic agents such as progesterone-containing medications (birth control pills), narcotics, benzodiazepines,
References: Copstead, L. C., Banasik, J. L., (2010). Pathophysiology (4th Edition). Missouri: Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Feldman, M., Friedman, L. S., & Brand, L. J., (2010). Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/ Management (9th Edition). Pennsylvania: Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Skidmore-Roth, L. (2011). Mosby’s Nursing Drug Reference (24th Edition). Missouri: Mosby Inc, an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Carpenito-Moyet, L. J. (2009). Nursing Care Plans & Documentation: Nursing Diagnoses and Collaborative Problems (5th Edition). Pennsylvania: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.