Paper Example on GERD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) takes place when acid from the stomach often flow into the esophagus (Jones, 2015).

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Signs and Symptoms

• Lump sensation in the throat.
• Sour liquid or food regurgitation.
• Swallowing difficulty.
• Pain in the chest.
• Heartburn after meals, maybe worse at night.
• Someone with acid reflux in the night may experience:
• Disrupted sleep.
• Worsening or new asthma.
• Laryngitis.
• Chronic cough.

Screening Assessment Tools

Symptoms relief, both atypical and typical is the backbone of therapy for GERD patients, however GERD symptoms' response evaluation for treatment has been hindered by lack of a questionnaire meeting all the criteria for ideal assessment tool for GERD. These criteria include assessment of frequency, sensitivity in GERD and intensity of symptoms. Self-assessment tool for patient, agreeable to everyday use, validated psychometrically and translated into various languages with adaption of cross-culture (Naik, 2016).

Diagnostic Tests

X-ray diagnostic test observes the problems in the organs. Esophagram checks for esophagus narrowing or ulcers. One swallows a solution to aid showing up of organs on the X-ray. Endoscopy checks for problems in the stomach or esophagus. The test entails insertion of a lighted, long, flexible tube with a camera down the throat. An anesthetic is sprayed on the back of the throat for comfort. Biopsy can be taken to check tissue samples for infection under microscope during endoscopy. Monitoring of pH checks for esophagus acidity. A device is inserted into the esophagus for about one to two days to measure the acidity level in the esophagus. Esophageal manometry checks for movement and function of the esophagus and lower sphincter of the esophagus.

Treatment Plans

Depending on the tests and exam shown, a recommendation of one or more of the following over-counter medicines can be made by the doctor: Antacids helps to clear mild heartburn and stomach acid. Proton inhibitors offer stronger relief of acid and help to heal esophagus and throat damage from reflux of acid. For situations where over-counter medicines do not work, the doctor may prescribe prokinetics. They help to strengthen the lower muscles of the esophagus and empty stomach. A doctor may recommend surgery for controlling acid flux and tightening of the esophagus when medications don't work. Linx surgery involves wrapping of tiny beads of ring around the esophagus. Nissen fundoplication includes wrapping top section of the stomach on the lower section of the esophagus (Gyawali, 2018).

References

Gyawali, C. P., Kahrilas, P. J., Savarino, E., Zerbib, F., Mion, F., Smout, A. J., ... & Tutuian, R. (2018). Modern diagnosis of GERD: the Lyon Consensus. Gut, 67(7), 1351-1362. Retrieved from https://gut.bmj.com/content/67/7/1351.abstract

Jones, R., & Galmiche, J. P. (2015). What do we mean by GERD? -definition, and diagnosis? Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 22, 2-10. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2005.02610.

xNaik, R. D., & Vaezi, M. F. (2016). Extra-esophageal manifestations of GERD: who responds to GERD therapy? Current gastroenterology reports, 15(4), 318. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11894-013-0318-4